Kate McKinnon Reveals Geographic Tongue Diagnosis, Raising Awareness
Actress Kate McKinnon has gone public with her diagnosis of geographic tongue, a condition that affects the papillae of the tongue. The Saturday Night Live star revealed her condition in People magazine, joining other celebrities like Sadie Robertson who have done the same, raising awareness about this little-known issue.
Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is characterised by patches on the tongue that shed, leaving bald patches which may appear redder or inflamed. The exact cause remains unknown, but it may be linked to stress, allergies, hormonal imbalances, or even previous COVID-19 infection. It's more common among people with psoriasis, vitamin deficiencies, Type 1 diabetes, or a fissured tongue. The American Academy of Oral Medicine estimates that between 1% and 2.5% of the population is affected.
While there's no treatment or cure, topical anesthetics can help manage discomfort caused by inflammatory foods. The appearance of these distinctive patches is usually the biggest indicator of the condition. Although it can be uncomfortable, geographic tongue typically comes and goes on its own.
Kate McKinnon's revelation has brought geographic tongue into the spotlight. Despite its prevalence, the condition remains little understood. While it's not life-threatening, it can cause discomfort and may be linked to other health issues. More awareness and research are needed to better understand and manage this condition.
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