Cyndi Lauper, a star who has dazzled the music world, is celebrated not only for her songwriting talents but also for her unique fashion sense and vibrant personality. Known for her bold style and colorful exuberance, she has been a transformative figure in Hollywood, inspiring many artists like Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish. Yet, behind the glam and the glow, Lauper has quietly faced a significant personal challenge—her struggle with psoriasis.
Her journey in the music industry began in a bright, unforgettable fashion in the 1980s. With her debut album “She’s So Unusual,” featuring hits like “Time After Time” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” she captured the world’s attention. Her songs and style were infectious and resonated with audiences far and wide, earning her immense popularity and admiration.
Lauper’s creative brilliance and undeniable talent did not go unnoticed. In 1985, she was awarded the Grammy for Best New Artist, setting the stage for an illustrious career. Her journey through the music and entertainment industry saw her winning numerous accolades, including Tony Awards, Emmy Awards, and MTV VMA awards. Despite all her achievements, she managed to keep inspiring fans with her energetic performances and distinct voice.
Behind the vibrant performances and colorful appearances, Lauper has been quietly battling psoriasis since 2010. This skin condition causes itchy, scaly patches and can lead to painful, inflamed joints. Lauper’s diagnosis came after enduring episodes of discomfort and itching, initially attributing it to her brightly colored hairstyles.
After being diagnosed, her condition saw ups and downs, with flare-ups and a flaky scalp, severely impacting her self-esteem by 2015. This led her to the poignant revelation of feeling akin to the “elephant man” during a interview in People magazine. Struggling with her self-image, she embraced various herbal remedies she unearthed during her quest for relief.
Psoriasis didn’t just impact her self-esteem; it also affected her signature style. Her iconic looks were substituted with wigs and turtlenecks, making her feel quite unlike herself. Despite these challenges, she showcased incredible resilience, tapping into an inner strength that went beyond what the public eye could see.
Lauper has always managed to maintain a positive outlook on life. In 2016, she shared her desire to “bring a lot of light” into her life, finding strength in her close-knit family ties. This positivity and her determination are a testament to her enduring spirit in facing life’s hurdles.
Realizing that over 7.5 million people globally live with psoriasis provided her with a sense of community and purpose. This awareness led her to actively collaborate with Novartis and the National Psoriasis Foundation. Her involvement in creating the MoretoPsoriasis.com platform is part of her ongoing effort to raise awareness and offer support to those affected by the condition.
In December, Lauper’s enduring musical talent was evident again as she performed with Billy Porter, bringing down the house with a spectacular rendition of “True Colors” at a New Year’s Eve party. A fitting reminder to everyone of her unstoppable spirit and vibrant essence, proving yet again she remains an icon in more ways than one.
