Cyndi Lauper, the pixie-like pop icon who rose to fame in the 1980s, holds a special place in American pop culture. Her hit 1983 anthem “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” became a timeless celebration of female empowerment, encouraging women of all ages to embrace joy and independence. With her quirky personality, whimsical fashion, and ever-changing colorful hairstyles, Lauper quickly became a symbol of individuality and self-expression. She has always promoted the message that it’s okay to be different—that being yourself is not just acceptable, but admirable.
Behind her playful persona and unmistakable, cartoon-like voice that has brought joy to millions, Lauper has quietly faced a painful and personal health challenge. Since 2010, the legendary singer has battled psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition that has no cure. At its worst, she described her flare-ups as so severe that it looked like “someone threw boiling water” on her skin. Psoriasis affects over 8 million Americans and 125 million people around the world, often causing pain, intense itching, and visible patches of scaly, inflamed skin.
Lauper’s journey with psoriasis began with symptoms like scalp irritation and general discomfort, which she initially dismissed as a side effect of regularly coloring her hair. However, as the condition worsened, it caused her significant physical pain and emotional strain. This struggle became especially difficult for Lauper, who was juggling life as a mother, international performer, and advocate.
A passionate supporter of human rights, Lauper has long been an outspoken ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Her advocacy was inspired in part by her sister Ellen, who is a lesbian. Over the years, Lauper has used her platform to speak out for equality. Her 2005 song “Above the Clouds” was a tribute to Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was brutally murdered in Wyoming. She also launched the “True Colors” tour in 2007 and 2008, raising funds for LGBTQ+ organizations and promoting inclusivity.
Professionally, Lauper has achieved tremendous success across music, television, and theater. With a career spanning four decades, she’s earned a Tony Award, two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and an MTV Music Video Award. She’s been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In recognition of her humanitarian work, she was also invited to attend President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013.
Despite the painful toll of psoriasis, Lauper has never let it stop her from creating and performing. She continued to work through her diagnosis, channeling her creativity into the Broadway musical Kinky Boots, for which she wrote the music and lyrics. The show earned her the Tony Award for Best Original Score, making her the first woman to win in that category solo. The musical went on to win five additional Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Speaking with the American Academy of Dermatology, Lauper shared her personal experiences living with psoriasis in hopes of supporting others facing similar struggles. She openly admitted, “I’ve never been able to really manage stress,” acknowledging that stress can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. To better cope, she’s adopted a holistic approach to health, incorporating practices like reiki, a Japanese relaxation technique. She said that reiki has been helpful in her journey.
Lauper also turns to other grounding habits such as meditation, yoga, and spending time outdoors. She enjoys walking with her husband, actor David Thornton, whom she married in 1991, and their son, born in 1997. These small, consistent acts of self-care help her manage both stress and symptoms of her condition. “It’s not a bad thing to take care of yourself,” she says, reminding others that even setting aside five minutes a day for personal well-being can make a difference.
Her journey has not been easy. She recalls periods when her psoriasis became so debilitating that she couldn’t regulate her body temperature, leaving her feeling cold to the point of near hypothermia. Despite taking time to rest, her condition didn’t improve, and hearing dismissive comments like “It’s just a rash” only made things worse. These misunderstandings often downplay the serious impact of psoriasis and the suffering it can cause.
Lauper wants others to know they’re not alone. “You don’t have to suffer,” she says. She’s tried different treatments and found relief with Cosentyx, a medication developed by Novartis. Today, she proudly shares that she’s been clear of symptoms for four years. As a spokesperson for the drug, she uses her story to raise awareness and help destigmatize the condition.
In 2017, Lauper spoke with HealthDay about how she used to cover up her psoriasis. “You start wearing gloves, or this and that, hoping that it’s invisible, but it’s not,” she said. “I wasn’t wearing it like, ‘Woo-hoo, check this out!’” She highlighted the fact that many people feel the need to hide their condition, making it even more important to speak about it openly. Psoriasis is often invisible to others, which can lead to feelings of isolation. By sharing her story, she encourages others to feel seen and supported.
Lauper even launched a podcast called PsO in the Know, where she discusses life with psoriasis alongside guests including celebrities, advocates, and everyday people who also live with the condition. Now in its third season, the podcast is available on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
She’s not the only celebrity opening up about psoriasis. Kim Kardashian, who was diagnosed at 30, has shared her experiences publicly. Her mother, Kris Jenner, also lives with the condition, first experiencing symptoms in her late twenties and describing it as “life-changing.” Others in the public eye dealing with psoriasis include musician Art Garfunkel, actor Jon Lovitz, and Jerry Mathers, famously known as “The Beaver.”
We are incredibly fortunate to have role models like Cyndi Lauper. Her strength, talent, and willingness to speak openly about personal challenges offer hope to others navigating similar paths. Her resilience is inspiring, and her contributions to music, activism, and health awareness make her presence in the world not just valuable—but essential.
