Psoriasis is a common autoimmune condition affecting approximately 7.4 million Americans, but you wouldn't know it from how it's talked about in the media. But that's starting to change as famous people like Kim Kardashian and LeAnn Rimes use their platforms to talk about their experiences with psoriasis. Flare-ups of psoriasis, whose origins are yet unknown, are characterized by the appearance of red, itchy, elevated areas of skin.

Jonathan Van Ness

The Queer Eye presenter went public on Instagram with a detailed account of his flare-ups in 2018. He told Allure that he had planned to Photoshop away his psoriasis lesions before deciding to share an unaltered shot on Instagram and discuss his condition.

He complained, "It's simply been such a problem ever since I've had it." I was 23 when I first experienced a flare-up; a little scrape caused it. It took five physicians to determine that I had a psoriasis flare-up after being scratched. For a good long while, I had to take antibiotics.

Stacy London

At the age of four, London was diagnosed with psoriasis, and during the last season of What Not to Wear, she was also diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I felt like I had a balloon around my middle. My Achilles [tendons] would stiffen, and I couldn't figure out why.

I was gaining weight. I felt lethargic," she said with Parade. When I was doing an interview for the Psoriasis Foundation and saw a dermatologist, I learned that I had psoriatic arthritis. Care has focused on finding a happy medium between medicine and nutrition in London.

Gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, alcohol, nicotine, and nightshade vegetables have all been shown to cause inflammation, according to several studies.

Dara Torres

According to an interview with The Mighty, the 12-time Olympic winner first noticed the red, itchy rashes while preparing for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. A diagnosis of plaque psoriasis followed shortly after.

However, Torres knew that pursuing her goal included wearing a bikini, and she refused to let her fears about her condition stop her. She explained that she had to maintain self-assurance to pursue her swimming goals. Although having psoriasis made Olympic participation more challenging, I still had to compete.

Stassi Schroeder

In the words of Stassi Schroeder, psoriasis is "like a douche-y lover." Following the release of a makeup-free photo on Instagram, the former Vanderpump Rules cast member said Today, "there's no way to regulate it, and it comes and goes as it pleases.

To the point that, if you were to remove all of my makeup right now, you'd see a face full of red spots. But it doesn't mean she hasn't learned to live with it.

Schroeder claims she is not letting it rule her life even though she has no power over it. To those with psoriasis, she offered this advice: "Let go of any concern about it since there's nothing you can do."

"Stressing over it will simply make it worse because stress is a major trigger for it. Moreover, what's the use? You're just going to be miserable."

Lala Anthony

Anthony has been a psoriasis awareness activist for many years after discovering she had the condition after experiencing a sudden and severe flare-up. She has collaborated on acceptance projects, including "Picture Positivity" by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

The TV host and author told Everyday Health in 2015 that having faith in oneself is the most critical factor in keeping one's spirits up while experiencing a flare-up. Also, "I would recommend putting on your best clothing," she said.

"If you're feeling self-conscious about a recent breakout in a given place, cover it up with a jacket, hat, scarf, or anything else you feel is appropriate, and go out there and give the world your best face.

Cyndi Lauper

After learning she had psoriasis in 2010, Cyndi Lauper began using her public profile to raise awareness and reassure those who suffer from the condition that they are not alone. "It's vital to know that you're not alone," she told the American Academy of Dermatology.

Psoriasis affects the skin of 7.5 million Americans. You may avoid human interaction by staying online. Learn the details. Find inspiration in the words of others. Lauper focuses on stress reduction as part of her treatment and uses yoga, meditation, and Reiki.

You don't need to endure pain, Lauper assured. Available treatment. If you see a dermatologist, they can advise you on how to handle the situation.