She Strengthens

Breaking the Silence: Celebrities Share Their Psoriasis Stories

Shattering the Illusion of Perfection

We often perceive celebrities as flawless beings, thanks to their polished public images. However, behind the glamour, many famous individuals struggle with chronic illnesses, including psoriasis. This condition affects over 8 million people in the United States and 125 million globally, making it no surprise that some stars are among those affected.

Jonathan Van Ness: Unapologetic and Unretouched

Jonathan Van Ness, affectionately known as JVN, has been vocal about his psoriasis journey. In 2018, he posted a shirtless Instagram photo, proudly showcasing his unretouched skin. “Sickeningly Gorge,” he captioned it, emphasizing that he shouldn’t have to hide his condition. He later shared another photo, celebrating six months of being flare-free. Van Ness’s message is clear: self-acceptance is key.

Kim Kardashian West: Candid About Her Struggle

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West has been open about her experiences with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. After being diagnosed in 2011, she has used her platform to raise awareness, sharing candid posts on Instagram and writing an essay on Poosh. Her goal is to inspire confidence in those with autoimmune diseases, reminding them that there is hope for a better tomorrow.

Cyndi Lauper: The Psoriasis Awareness Rockstar

Cyndi Lauper, the iconic ’80s singer-songwriter, has become a champion for psoriasis awareness. Diagnosed in 2010, she has partnered with the National Psoriasis Foundation and Novartis Pharmaceuticals to speak out about the condition. Lauper’s mission is to reduce stigma and help people find effective treatments, emphasizing that nobody should suffer in silence.

LeAnn Rimes: Baring It All for Awareness

Country music star LeAnn Rimes has been open about her psoriasis journey, including a recent Glamour shoot that showcased her skin. Diagnosed as a child, Rimes had been flare-free for 16 years until 2020. She hopes to give a voice to others struggling with the condition, encouraging honesty and self-acceptance.

Liam Gallagher: Speaking Out on Twitter

Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher occasionally shares his psoriasis experiences on Twitter. In a 2020 tweet, he mentioned struggling with a flare-up, prompting fellow sufferers to share their own treatment stories. Gallagher’s candor helps break down the stigma surrounding psoriasis.

Dara Torres: Olympic Athlete and Psoriasis Advocate

Five-time Olympian Dara Torres initially thought she had a chlorine rash, but was later diagnosed with psoriasis. Since then, she has been raising awareness through various campaigns, urging others to follow their dreams and not let the condition hold them back.

The Power of Celebrity Voices

These celebrities, from musicians to television stars and Olympic athletes, are helping to shatter the silence surrounding psoriasis. By sharing their stories, they inspire confidence and encourage others to seek treatment. Psoriasis affects people from all walks of life, and it’s time to break down the barriers of shame and stigma.