There’s something undeniably captivating about the iconic Cyndi Lauper. Her 1983 hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” quickly became a universal anthem, encouraging women of all ages to embrace their freedom and joy. Lauper’s quirky style, vibrant fashion, and playful personality have solidified her as a symbol of self-expression and individuality. She has always encouraged others to be themselves, spreading a message of empowerment and confidence.

However, beneath her bright and bold exterior, Lauper has been battling a challenging personal struggle. Behind her upbeat energy and unique voice lies the reality of a serious health condition: psoriasis. Lauper was diagnosed with this incurable chronic skin condition in 2010, and the symptoms were so severe at times that it felt as though her skin had been scalded by boiling water.

Psoriasis is a painful condition that can cause intense discomfort, itching, and scaly patches on the skin. It’s estimated that around 8 million people in the U.S. and 125 million worldwide suffer from this autoimmune disorder. Lauper first began experiencing symptoms like scalp irritation and general discomfort, which gradually worsened over time. Initially, she attributed the irritation to the frequent coloring of her hair, but as the symptoms persisted, it became clear that something more serious was at play.

Despite dealing with the pain and emotional distress of psoriasis, Lauper has never let it slow her down. She continues to shine as a musician, actress, and activist. Lauper is a tireless advocate for human rights, inspired by her sister Ellen, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, her song “Above the Clouds” was written in memory of Matthew Shepard, a young man who was tragically murdered in a hate crime in 1998. Lauper also founded the “True Colors” tour, which supported local LGBTQ+ charities and foundations.

In addition to her advocacy, Lauper has had an incredibly successful career. She has earned multiple awards, including a Tony Award, two Grammys, an MTV Music Video Award, and an Emmy for her appearance on *Mad About You*. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2013, for her humanitarian efforts, she was a special guest at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

Even while managing her health condition, Lauper remains a powerful force in the entertainment industry. She refuses to let psoriasis control her life and has worked hard to manage stress, a key trigger for flare-ups. During one particularly tough period with her condition, she wrote the music for the hit Broadway show *Kinky Boots*, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Original Score—making her the first woman to win in that category.

Lauper openly discusses her struggles with psoriasis in hopes of helping others. Speaking with the American Academy of Dermatology, she candidly shared her experiences, noting that stress management has been a critical part of her journey. She has adopted holistic practices like reiki, meditation, yoga, and spending time outdoors with her family to help her manage the condition.

In addition to self-care, Lauper has also found relief with a prescription medication called Cosentyx, and as a spokesperson for the brand, she proudly shares that she’s been clear of psoriasis symptoms for four years. In 2017, Lauper spoke about the emotional impact of living with psoriasis, sharing that it’s often a hidden struggle that many people don’t discuss. She encourages others to talk openly about their experiences and find the support they need.

Lauper continues to raise awareness through her podcast *PsO in the Know*, where she features guests who share their own experiences with psoriasis. The podcast, now in its third season, is available on major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Cyndi Lauper, alongside other celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Art Garfunkel, has shown immense strength in sharing her journey with psoriasis. Her bravery and resilience continue to inspire millions, and we are incredibly fortunate to witness her talent and advocacy in action.