Kate McKinnon, the beloved Saturday Night Live alum, recently shared a surprisingly candid detail about her health: she lives with geographic tongue. This inflammatory condition, characterized by smooth, red patches on the tongue that resemble a map, isn't life-threatening, but as McKinnon herself admits, it's certainly unique.
In a recent interview with People magazine, McKinnon described how she discovered her diagnosis. "I took a picture of my tongue and sent it to an actor friend," she explained. "We both have the same medical condition. It's called geographic tongue." She went on to describe the condition, explaining that it's caused by the tongue shedding in patches, creating a map-like appearance. Rather than being embarrassed, however, McKinnon and her friend have embraced their shared "geographic" tongues, even playfully bragging about their condition's unique visual aspects. "We brag about how geographic we are on any given day," she quipped, adding with a laugh, "Maybe I shouldn't be saying this in a magazine."
According to the Mayo Clinic, geographic tongue affects approximately three percent of the population, though the actual number may be higher, as many individuals don't seek medical attention for this harmless condition. While usually painless, it can sometimes cause sensitivity to spicy, salty, or sweet foods. The condition is not related to infection or cancer and typically resolves on its own, although it can recur over days, months, or even years.
McKinnon's interview wasn't solely focused on her health. She also shared anecdotes from her recent work on the Barbie movie, revealing that she received (not stole!) a chess piece from the set, describing the artistry of the set designers as museum-worthy. She also confessed to a surprising source of starstruck moments: members of the Bachelor universe and HGTV personalities.
In sharing her experience with geographic tongue, McKinnon offers a relatable glimpse into her life beyond the comedic spotlight. Her openness about this often-overlooked condition serves as a reminder that even celebrities grapple with unexpected health issues, offering a comforting message of shared human experience.
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Originally published at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-15078419/snl-alum-kate-mckinnon-diagnosed-rare-health-condition.html
