Cyndi Lauper, the iconic singer whose 1983 hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” became a global anthem, has always exuded a unique charm. Known for her pixie-like appearance, colorful hair, and carefree personality, Lauper embodies self-empowerment and style. However, behind the playful persona that brings joy to millions, Lauper has been battling a serious skin condition known as psoriasis—a chronic illness that once affected her so severely that she described it as looking like “someone threw boiling water on me.”
At 69, the pop legend recently opened up about her struggle with psoriasis, which she has been dealing with since her diagnosis in 2010. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause scaly patches, severe pain, itching, and discomfort. It affects approximately 125 million people worldwide, including 8 million in the United States.
Lauper’s symptoms initially began with general pain and scalp irritations, which worsened over time. She initially attributed these issues to her frequent hair dyeing, but the flare-ups led to both physical and emotional distress. Despite her vibrant career as a singer, activist, and mother, Lauper has had to navigate the challenges of living with this condition.
As a staunch advocate for human rights, driven in part by her sister Ellen, who is a lesbian, Lauper has dedicated much of her life to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. She wrote the song “Above the Clouds” in 2005 in memory of Matthew Shepard, a gay student who was brutally murdered. Additionally, she launched the “True Colors” tour in 2007–2008 to raise funds for LGBTQ+ foundations and charities.
In her illustrious career spanning four decades, Lauper has won numerous awards, including two Grammys, a Tony Award, an MTV Music Video Award, and an Emmy for her guest appearance on *Mad About You* in 1995. In recognition of her humanitarian efforts, she was invited as a special guest to President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Despite her illness, Lauper remains a powerful force. She has learned to manage her stress—a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups—to prevent the condition from controlling her life. While suffering from severe psoriasis, she wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway hit musical *Kinky Boots*, which won her a Tony Award for Best Original Score. Lauper made history as the first female to win in this category, with the production also winning five other Tony Awards, including Best New Musical.
Lauper has been open about her journey with psoriasis, sharing her story in an interview with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). She admits, “I’ve never been very good at handling stress,” and has turned to holistic approaches such as reiki—a Japanese technique for
relaxation and stress reduction—to help manage her symptoms. Lauper also practices yoga, meditation, and enjoys walks with her dog or husband, actor David Thornton, whom she married in 1991. The couple has one son, born in 1997.
Lauper emphasizes the importance of self-care, urging others to make time for themselves each day, even if it’s just for five minutes. She acknowledges that living with psoriasis can be incredibly challenging, stating, “It’s really hard to get up again when psoriasis gets really bad.” She describes the extreme discomfort and pain that can accompany severe flare-ups, sometimes leaving her unable to regulate her body temperature, leading to chills and even hypothermia. The physical pain was compounded by others downplaying the severity of her condition, dismissing it as “just a rash.”
However, Lauper is adamant that no one should have to endure this pain in silence. She advocates for seeking treatment, as there are various options available, including topical, oral, and injectable medications, which can significantly reduce the intensity of psoriasis symptoms. Lauper herself found great relief with Cosentyx, a medication from Novartis, and proudly shares that she has been “four years clear” of severe flare-ups since starting the treatment.
In a 2017 interview with HealthDay, Lauper discussed the stigma surrounding psoriasis and how people often try to hide their condition. She noted, “It’s strange how you start wearing gloves or other items in the hopes that your psoriasis won’t show, but it doesn’t. I didn’t wear it with a sense of excitement or admiration. Everyone hides it, don’t they? The number of people who have it but keep it a secret could surprise you.” She believes that discussing the condition openly is important, as it is often an invisible struggle for many.
Lauper continues to bring attention to psoriasis through her podcast, *PsO in the Know*, where she interviews fellow sufferers, advocates, and celebrities who share their experiences with the disease. The podcast, now in its third season, is available on various platforms, including Stitcher, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Cyndi Lauper is not the only celebrity with psoriasis. Kim Kardashian, diagnosed at age 30, has been open about her struggles with the condition. Her mother, Kris Jenner, experienced her first outbreak in her late 20s, describing it as “life-changing.” Other notable figures with psoriasis include musician Art Garfunkel, actor Jon Lovitz, and Jerry Mathers, famously known as “The Beaver.”
Having role models like Cyndi Lauper, who use their platforms to support and uplift others facing similar challenges, is invaluable. Lauper’s resilience and openness about her journey with psoriasis serve as an inspiration to many, showing that it’s possible to lead a fulfilling life despite the obstacles. We can’t imagine a world without her music, advocacy, and the strength she brings to those battling this condition—truly, she is a remarkable and courageous woman.
