Kim Kardashian has Psoriasis (2024)

In a video on the "Keeping up with the Kardashians" website, star Kim Kardashian reveals she has psoriasis.In Kardashians: Don't be rash, Kardashian talks with dermatologistDr. Harold Lancerabout the "rash" on her body, which, her sister Khloe Kardashian, says is ringworm. Dr. Lancer examines the spots on her legs and tells Kardashian she has psoriasis—a chronic, genetic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin, often as red, scaly patches that itch and bleed.

Psoriasis is often misdiagnosed as a rash, ringworm or other skin irritation, such as eczema. However, psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the country, affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans, including Kim Kardashian. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious.

Like many celebrities with psoriasis, Kardashian is shocked and worried about the diagnosis because she faces so much scrutiny about her appearance. She even asks Dr. Lancer if it will appear on her face. Psoriasis most commonly occurs on the scalp, knees, elbows and torso, but it can develop anywhere. It very infrequently appears on the face.

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"I'd heard of psoriasis before because my mom has always had it, but she didn't have red flaky dots all over her," says Kim, 30, about her psoriasis. There arefive types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. Nearly 80 percent of people with the disease have plaque psoriasis—the most common form—which appears as red, raised patches.

Mom Kris Jenner was also diagnosed with psoriasis at age 30. The disease most frequently occurs between the ages of 15 and 35, but can appear at any time. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is known thatgenetics and the immune systemplay a large role in developing the disease.

Kim appears equally shocked to learn there is no cure for psoriasis. Although the disease cannot be cured, avariety of treatments ranging from topical (on the skin) to systemic (throughout the body) can clear psoriasis, often for long periods of time.

Like millions of other Americans with psoriasis, Kim Kardashian is atincreased risk for other serious health conditionsassociated with the disease, including heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and depression. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes painful swelling of the joints.

Dr. Lancer recommends that Kardashian try slowing down her lifestyle, as stress is a known trigger of psoriasis. Other triggers include external lifestyle factors, certain medications and injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape. However, whattriggersone person's psoriasis may not make it appear on someone else.

Kim Kardashian has Psoriasis (2024)

FAQs

Does Kim Kardashian actually have psoriasis? ›

Kardashian explained to fans that her psoriasis, which she was diagnosed with in 2011, originally affected just one "spot" on her lower leg, but now it's "going down my leg and up my leg and all up my thigh." She added that the heart-shaped spot on her shin was specially formed for Valentine's Day.

Has anyone ever got rid of psoriasis? ›

With effective treatment, a person living with psoriasis can almost fully manage their symptoms, achieving remission. Remission is a state in which a [person experiences little-to-no symptoms for a period of time.

What can trigger psoriasis? ›

What can trigger psoriasis?
  • Stress.
  • Skin injury, such as a cut or bad sunburn.
  • Infection, such as strep throat.
  • Some medications, including lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine.
  • Weather, especially cold, dry weather.
  • Tobacco.
  • Alcohol (heavy drinking)

Will I have psoriasis for life? ›

Because psoriasis is a lifelong disease, it's understandable that you may want to stop treatment at some point. Always talk with your dermatologist before you stop treatment. Some treatments can be stopped immediately. Others need to be discontinued slowly to prevent psoriasis from worsening (rebound).

Are people with psoriasis healthy? ›

People with psoriasis have a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease than the general population, although it's not known why. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are recommended for everyone, not just people with psoriasis, because they can help to prevent many health problems.

Does psoriasis stay with you forever? ›

Though there are many effective treatments that can help minimize psoriasis flare-ups, there's no cure. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that will be with you for life. Knowing that you have to live with psoriasis forever may leave you feeling frustrated, but your skin condition doesn't have to dictate your life.

What is the root cause of psoriasis? ›

The cause of psoriasis isn't fully understood. It's thought to be an immune system problem where infection-fighting cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake. Researchers believe that both genetics and environmental factors play a role. The condition is not contagious.

What's the average life expectancy once diagnosed with psoriasis? ›

What Is the Life Expectancy for People with Psoriasis? Mild psoriasis does not seem to affect life expectancy. However, people with severe psoriasis may have a somewhat shorter life span by about three or four years due to complications.

What is the new treatment for psoriasis in 2024? ›

Several drugs are in phase 2 and phase 3 trials for moderate to severe psoriasis, including tofacitinib (Xeljanz), baricitinib (Olumiant), and abrocitinib. A topical JAK inhibitor is also under investigation. So far, studies have found JAK inhibitors to be effective for psoriasis.

What organs does psoriasis affect? ›

While skin lesions (called plaques) are characteristic of the disease, the systemic inflammation that causes plaques can affect multiple organ systems as well. If left untreated, the inflammation can gradually spread and trigger changes in the nails, joints, eyes, brain, kidneys, heart, pancreas, and blood vessels.

What clears psoriasis fast? ›

Hydrocortisone creams and ointments. You can buy a mild corticosteroid like hydrocortisone without a prescription. For a few small patches of psoriasis, a mild hydrocortisone works well. If you have more than a few small patches, you'll likely need a prescription corticosteroid to see results.

Is coffee bad for psoriasis? ›

A recent study showed that the effect of coffee on psoriasis is dose-dependent. Regular moderate consumption (up to 3 cups per day) alleviates symptoms and has an anti-inflammatory effect, whereas higher coffee consumption (more than 4 cups of coffee per day) makes symptoms worse2.

What age does psoriasis worsen? ›

Most people develop psoriasis between the ages of 15 and 35. While psoriasis may get better or worse depending on different environmental factors, it doesn't get worse with age. Obesity and stress are two possible components that lead to psoriasis flares.

When is psoriasis the worst? ›

Triggers such as stress, skin injury, and cold weather can cause or worsen psoriasis flares. Avoiding triggers, keeping skin moisturized, and working with a doctor can help a person manage and treat worsening psoriasis.

Do people with psoriasis get sick more often? ›

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system is in overdrive, attacking otherwise healthy cells and tissue. This type of hyperactivity in the immune system can make people with psoriasis more prone to illness, especially during flu season.

What celebrities have psoriasis? ›

Celebrities such as Cyndi Lauper, Kim Kardashian, and Stacy London really are (kind of) just like us. Picture this: It's an ordinary day, and you're scrolling through social media, doing the classic "celebrity peek" to see what the A-listers are up to.

Will scalp psoriasis ever go away? ›

There isn't a cure for scalp psoriasis. You may have flare-ups and times where the plaques go away (remission). Treatment can provide relief for your symptoms and can include UV light or medications that can be directly applied to the lesions, injected into the lesions or taken by mouth.

What race has the most psoriasis? ›

Recent research shows that whites are twice as likely to have psoriasis compared to other races and ethnicities. Yet studies also show that psoriasis and other skin conditions are often missed in Blacks, Hispanics and Asians and are likely undercounted.

Who is more prone to psoriasis? ›

Genes may be part of the reason that the condition is more common in white people. But psoriasis might be more common in people of color than research data suggests, experts say. Some doctors misdiagnose psoriasis as eczema or a drug reaction in people of color, says Raman Madan, MD, a dermatologist in New York.

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