Cyndi Lauper, with her unmistakable voice and unique style, has inspired generations, especially with her timeless anthem “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Released in 1983, the song captured the hearts of millions, encouraging women everywhere to live joyfully and unapologetically. Lauper’s character and energy, marked by colorful fashion, bold hair, and a carefree spirit, have consistently shown her fans the importance of self-expression and authenticity.
Yet behind the lively persona that has captivated audiences for decades lies a very human story. Beneath her playful exterior, Lauper has silently battled a serious skin condition called psoriasis, a challenge she has faced for over a decade. Describing its severity, Lauper once shared that her psoriasis had been so intense that she felt as if her skin had been scorched. Diagnosed in 2010, this chronic skin condition has had a lasting impact on her life.
Psoriasis affects approximately 8 million individuals in the U.S. and an estimated 125 million people globally. It’s an autoimmune condition that can cause painful, itchy, and inflamed skin with scaly patches, often creating both physical discomfort and emotional strain for those affected. Lauper initially noticed symptoms on her scalp, experiencing irritation and discomfort. At first, she thought the condition was a side effect of her frequent hair coloring, given her love for vibrant hair colors. However, the symptoms persisted and worsened, ultimately leading to her diagnosis.
Despite her health challenges, Lauper has never allowed psoriasis to limit her boundless creativity or tireless activism. As an artist, she remains driven by her music and her commitment to important causes. Beyond her musical accomplishments, Lauper has championed LGBTQ+ rights, an advocacy inspired by her sister Ellen, who is openly lesbian. Her dedication to LGBTQ+ issues is evident not only in her public statements but also in her actions. In 2005, she released “Above the Clouds,” a song dedicated to Matthew Shepard, a young man tragically killed in a hate crime. She even organized the “True Colors” tour in 2007 and 2008, raising funds for LGBTQ+ charities and organizations across the country.
In her career, Lauper’s talents have been widely recognized. She has won numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards, an Emmy, a Tony, and an MTV Music Video Award. Additionally, she has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her humanitarian efforts were acknowledged in 2013 when she was invited as a special guest to President Barack Obama’s second inauguration ceremony. Lauper’s contributions extend beyond music, as she has made a significant impact as an activist and an advocate for the voiceless.
The onset of psoriasis didn’t stop her from working on major projects. In fact, even during some of her most severe episodes, she managed to write the music and lyrics for the hit Broadway show Kinky Boots, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Original Score. This accomplishment made her the first woman to win a Tony Award in that category alone, adding yet another milestone to her storied career. The show itself went on to win five Tony Awards, including Best New Musical, cementing Lauper’s place in Broadway history.
Lauper openly discusses her experience with psoriasis, hoping that sharing her journey will resonate with and help others facing similar struggles. In an interview with the American Academy of Dermatology, she reflected on the challenges of managing stress, a key factor in triggering psoriasis flare-ups. To cope, Lauper turned to holistic methods, exploring techniques like reiki—a Japanese practice that promotes relaxation and stress relief. She also makes it a priority to meditate, practice yoga, and take walks with her husband, David Thornton, and their son, born in 1997. Married since 1991, Lauper has found support in her family while facing the highs and lows of her health journey.
“Taking time for yourself is essential,” Lauper has said, encouraging others to embrace self-care in even the smallest ways. She advises finding just a few minutes each day to relax, whether through meditation or a simple stroll. Her advice comes from personal experience, having faced times when her condition became so severe that it affected her ability to maintain body temperature. She describes these moments as deeply challenging, with the additional pain of others dismissing her condition as “just a rash.” Despite such moments, Lauper remains determined, viewing her resilience as a vital tool in overcoming these difficulties.
For those with psoriasis, treatment options range from topical applications to oral medications and injections. Lauper herself has found relief with a biologic medication, a breakthrough treatment for many with chronic autoimmune conditions. As a spokesperson for Cosentyx, the medication she uses, Lauper shares that she has remained symptom-free for over four years, a milestone she is grateful to have reached.
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In her advocacy for psoriasis awareness, Lauper is committed to breaking the silence around the condition. Many people who suffer from psoriasis hide their symptoms, often feeling self-conscious or misunderstood. In a candid interview, Lauper acknowledged the emotional toll of living with visible symptoms. She described the ways she tried to make her psoriasis less noticeable, yet realized that many others also felt compelled to conceal their condition. Inspired to shift this narrative, she started her podcast PsO in the Know, where she hosts discussions with various guests, including celebrities and advocates, shedding light on the daily realities of living with psoriasis.
Through these conversations, Lauper seeks to empower those affected by psoriasis, offering them a platform to share their stories. Her podcast has not only provided comfort to listeners but has also built a community around shared experiences and empathy. By openly sharing her journey, Lauper hopes to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness, just as she has done throughout her life. Her message is clear: even in the face of difficult health challenges, there is always a way to live fully and express oneself without fear or shame.
Today, Lauper continues to create, perform, and advocate, embodying resilience and courage in everything she does. Her journey with psoriasis is only one part of her life, but by bringing attention to it, she is helping to change the conversation around chronic health conditions, particularly those that often go unseen. Through her music, advocacy, and personal story, Cyndi Lauper remains a source of inspiration for millions, proving that even the most vibrant spirits can face hardship—and emerge stronger for it.