Cyndi Lauper is not just a music icon known for her unique songwriting and distinctive sense of style. Behind the scenes, the superstar has quietly battled a personal challenge – her struggle with psoriasis. As an influential figure in the music industry, Lauper’s vibrant fashion sense and bold use of color have inspired many, including recent stars like Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish. Despite her own health issues, Lauper encouraged everyone, especially ‘the girls,’ to have fun and embrace their individuality.
In the 1980s, when Lauper burst onto the music scene, her distinctive sense of fashion and artistic expression captivated audiences. Her infectious and relatable music appealed to a broad audience, leading to immense popularity. Her debut album, “She’s So Unusual,” perfectly encapsulated her essence with timeless hits like “Time After Time,” “True Colors,” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” These songs have remained beloved staples over the years, thanks to Lauper’s magnetic personality and energetic performances.
Lauper’s creative brilliance and dedication to her craft did not go unnoticed. In 1985, she was awarded the Grammy for Best New Artist, marking the beginning of her illustrious career. She continued to climb the ladder of success, earning Tony Awards, Emmy Awards, and MTV VMA awards. Lauper’s music and spirit continue to inspire.
However, behind her vibrant performances, Lauper has been dealing with a health condition that has affected her personal life. Since 2010, she has quietly struggled with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by itchy, scaly patches and inflamed joints. The journey of her diagnosis began during a tour when she experienced recurring episodes of discomfort and itchy scalps. Initially, Lauper believed her vividly colored hairstyles might be the culprit. But after an official diagnosis, she endured painful flare-ups and a flaky scalp that intensified over time. The symptoms of her psoriasis became debilitating, even forcing her to pause her singing career at one point.
In a heartfelt 2015 interview, Lauper compared her situation to that of “the elephant man,” as her condition greatly impacted her self-esteem and social life. Despite the challenges, she sought various herbal remedies and found inner strength to continue her journey. Signature looks were replaced with wigs and turtlenecks, making her feel contrastingly “like a nun.” But Lauper’s battle with psoriasis didn’t dampen her positive outlook on life. With the support of her close-knit family, she aimed to bring light into her life and inspire others facing similar challenges.
Realizing that over 7.5 million people worldwide also cope with psoriasis, Lauper found a sense of solidarity. This motivated her to help others dealing with the same condition. Since 2015, she has actively collaborated with Novartis and the National Psoriasis Foundation, contributing to the creation of the MoretoPsoriasis.com platform. This initiative aims to raise public awareness about skin conditions and provide support to individuals facing psoriasis.
Lauper’s enduring musical prowess was on full display at last December’s New Year’s Eve party. She lit up the stage alongside fellow artist Billy Porter with a heartfelt performance of their hit song “True Colors,” reminding everyone of her continuous vibrance and strength.
