What happens when your tongue starts resembling an atlas? SNL alum Kate McKinnon while featuring in this week’s One Last Thing shared her unique but harmless diagnosis. This has even prompted her to take tongue selfies and compare them with those of another friend with the same condition.
The quirky condition doesn’t spark major health concerns, and for many, it doesn’t even cause any burning or uncomfortable sensations. Health experts say this is a legitimate medical diagnosis, even if it doesn’t ‘sound genuine.
McKinnon, 41, who also starred in the Barbie movie as ‘Weird Barbie’ was asked about the last screenshot or picture she took on her phone and pat came the reply.
“I took a photo of my tongue and sent it to an actor friend of mine,” she said. “We both have the same medical condition. It’s called geographic tongue. Your tongue sheds in patches and looks like an atlas, hence the name ‘geographic tongue.'”
What is geographic tongue?
Benign migratory glossitis, also known as geographic tongue, is an innocent condition in which the tongue forms irregular red patches with smooth surface and wavy white or yellow borders, so that the tongue takes on a map-like appearance. The patches may shift about, change size and shape, and even appear and disappear on a cycle of days or weeks.
According to Mayo Clinic, smooth and red patches appear on the tongue with missing papillae, the tiny pinkish-white bumps which are fine and hairlike structures.
Is it painful?
“Most individuals have no sensation, but others will experience burning or stinging on consuming hot, salty, sour, or extremely spicy foods, or even on using strong toothpaste or mouthwash,” Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, told Financial Express.com.
What causes it?
It could be genetics, allergies, asthma, psoriasis, hormonal fluctuations, or deficiency of B vitamins, iron, or zinc, and last but not the least, stress. “One may experience flare-ups during illness, fatigue, or pregnancy,” says Dr Tayal.
How to manage the condition
The condition can be managed by cutting consumption of hot and sour foods for a while. One should also avoid smoking, alcohol, and harsh mouthwashes.
“Gentle oral care, stress management, and a balanced diet with adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is advised,” says Dr Tayal.
“The majority of cases require no treatment because the condition is harmless, but if burning becomes an issue, physicians can prescribe soothing gels, mild anesthetic mouthwashes, anti-inflammatory ointments, or vitamin supplements if deficiencies are detected,” adds the expert.
Can it be cancerous?
No, the good news is that geographic tongue is all show and no harm and won’t become cancerous. It will usually heal on its own with minimum attention, adds Dr Tayal.