Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can make even the most confident people want to hide from prying eyes. The disease causes cells to build up quickly on the surface of the skin, resulting in itchy and sometimes painful red patches or scaly spots, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some patients additionally deal with swollen joints, burning sensations, or soreness, as psoriasis is thought to stem from an autoimmune problem. Infections, injuries, stress, and other factors can trigger or worsen the condition, but when your career depends on being seen, you can’t just wait for the scaly flare-ups on different parts of your body to disappear.
Many actors, singers, and athletes have used their platforms to advocate for more awareness about this common disease, which is not contagious but often misunderstood. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, LeAnn Rimes, and Jonathan Van Ness have spoken freely about how psoriasis has impacted their lives on the public stage, providing a voice to the some 8 million Americans who deal with this condition. August marks Psoriasis Awareness Month, so whether you’ve received a psoriasis diagnosis yourself or have just heard of it for the first time, here are some stars who don’t let their spots stop them from living their best lives.
