It appears that psoriasis spares none. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has been reportedly diagnosed with the skin condition. Her condition was revealed on a recent episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” on E!.
Kim admitted that her mother had the condition as well. According to experts psoriasis is not curable but may be controllable to an extent.
Psoriasis is a serious autoimmune condition that affects about 7.5 million people in the U.S. There are five different types, but over 80 percent of people with psoriasis have plaque-type, which is characterized by red lesions covered by silvery-white scales that are found on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back. They can appear on any part of the body and may be linked with other conditions such as depression, heart disease and diabetes. Triggers can include stress, a skin injury like sunburn or medications such as drugs for high blood pressure. Some people with psoriasis also report that the weather and diet can have an effect.
Treatments include topical medications such as corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D and salicylic acid. Controlled doses of light therapy are also used to slow skin cell growth. Oral medications such as methotrexate and retinoids can also slow cell growth and reduce inflammation, while others suppress the immune system.
“Like millions of other Americans with psoriasis, Kim Kardashian is at increased risk for other serious health conditions associated with the disease, including heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and depression,” reads the National Psoriasis Foundation statement.
The important thing, according to Dr. Lawrence Green, a Washington, D.C., dermatologist and member of the board of trustees at the National Psoriasis Foundation, is not to leave it untreated. “People with psoriasis should know that they don't have to live with it…It can be very well treated. They just have to take those first steps and go see a dermatologist,” he said.
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