In a recent conversation with People magazine, former “Saturday Night Live” star Kate McKinnon shared a unique and quirky aspect of her life, revealing that she experiences a harmless medical condition known as “geographic tongue.” McKinnon humorously described this condition, in which the tongue’s surface takes on a map-like appearance, as gross but benign.
“Your tongue sheds in patches and looks like an atlas, hence the term ‘geographic tongue,’” McKinnon explained. Despite her willingness to discuss the condition, she jokingly questioned whether it was appropriate to disclose such personal details publicly.
Geographic tongue, known medically as benign migratory glossitis, affects around 3% of the global population, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This figure potentially underestimates the true prevalence, as many individuals may not seek medical attention for the condition.
In individuals with geographic tongue, the tongue loses its normal filiform papillae, which are thread-like structures that assist in food intake and house taste buds. This loss leads to smooth, red patches on the tongue, surrounded by white or gray borders. These patches can fluctuate in size and shape, appearing and disappearing unpredictably across different areas of the tongue.
The condition is not fully understood but is considered inflammatory and often runs in families. It is not contagious and is more prevalent among women, young adults, and individuals with allergies, eczema, psoriasis, Type 1 diabetes, stress, or nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B.
While geographic tongue is usually symptom-free, some individuals may experience discomfort when consuming certain foods. Pain or burning sensations might occur when eating spicy, acidic, hot, or salty foods. In severe or persistent cases, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Managing the condition involves maintaining oral hygiene through regular brushing and avoiding foods and stressors that could cause irritation. Over-the-counter treatments, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, can help alleviate any discomfort.
McKinnon humorously mentioned sending a picture of her tongue to a fellow actor and sharing their experiences with the condition. Other celebrities, including Sadie Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” fame and singer Maura Nave, have also spoken publicly about having geographic tongue.
Despite the initial surprise such a revelation may cause, McKinnon and others demonstrate that geographic tongue is simply another characteristic of the diverse human condition, encouraging an understanding and accepting perspective.