Kate McKinnon Finds Humor in Rare ‘Geographic Tongue’ Diagnosis
New York, NY – Former Saturday Night Live star and Barbie actress Kate McKinnon is known for her comedic timing and spot-on impressions. Now, she’s adding another layer to her public persona – a surprisingly lighthearted take on a recent medical diagnosis.
McKinnon revealed to People magazine that she’s been diagnosed with geographic tongue, a benign condition that causes patches to form on the tongue, giving it a map-like appearance. The revelation came about when discussing the last photo on her phone – a picture of her tongue sent to a friend who shares the same condition.
“Your tongue sheds in patches and looks like an atlas, so the name ‘geographic tongue,'” McKinnon explained, adding with a laugh, “It’s gross.” Despite the less-than-glamorous description, McKinnon and her friend embrace their unique tongues, playfully “bragging about how geographic we are.”
What is Geographic Tongue?
According to the Mayo Clinic,geographic tongue is an inflammatory condition affecting the surface of the tongue. Typically, tongues are covered in small bumps called papillae. In those with geographic tongue, these papillae are missing in certain areas, creating red, irregular patches.
While the condition can sometimes cause sensitivity to certain foods – like spices, salt, or sweets - it’s generally considered harmless and doesn’t require treatment. The American Academy of oral Medicine estimates that only 1-2.5% of the population experiences geographic tongue.
McKinnon’s willingness to share this personal detail with a touch of humor is a testament to her down-to-earth personality, even as she continues to shine in Hollywood following her departure from SNL in 2022.
Keywords: Kate McKinnon, Geographic Tongue, SNL, Barbie, Health, Medical Condition, Celebrity News, People magazine, Mayo Clinic, american Academy of Oral Medicine.
