Kim Kardashian opens up about psoriasis, revealing how painful flare-ups affected her confidence, while sharing her experience managing the chronic skin condition.
Kim Kardashian has opened up about the physical and emotional challenges of living with psoriasis, revealing that the chronic skin condition has sometimes left her feeling deeply insecure despite her efforts to remain confident. The entrepreneur recently spoke about her long-running battle with the disease, including the extreme measures she once used to manage painful and itchy flare-ups.
Kardashian, 45, told PEOPLE magazine that she would apply ointment during the day and wrap affected areas in plastic wrap at night. The technique helped keep the medication in contact with her skin for longer, but it was far from comfortable. “In the daytime, I would have to put on an ointment and then wrap it in Saran Wrap at nighttime. So I used to have Saran Wrap by the side of my bed,” she said.
She described sleeping and moving around while wrapped up as feeling like a “crunchy Tin-Man.”
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which the immune system causes skin cells to build up too quickly. This can result in red, itchy, painful, and scaly patches, commonly appearing on the elbows, knees, scalp, and other parts of the body.
The condition is not contagious and currently has no cure, but various treatments can help control symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Psoriasis typically follows a cycle, with periods of worsening symptoms followed by periods when the skin improves. The condition can also affect quality of life. Severe itching and discomfort may interfere with sleep, work and everyday activities, while visible patches can affect a person’s confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Steroids can help, but psoriasis returns
Kardashian said topical steroids had not provided a lasting solution for her. According to her experience, the psoriasis would return after she stopped using them.
However, treatment for psoriasis varies depending on its severity and type. Doctors may recommend topical medications, phototherapy, oral medicines, or biologic drugs. Treatment decisions should be made with a dermatologist, particularly when symptoms are persistent or widespread.
Kim says psoriasis affected her confidence
For Kardashian, psoriasis has been more than a skin problem. She described how her confidence would fluctuate depending on the severity of her symptoms.
“There were times when I felt really strong” about living with the condition, she explained. But when the patches became larger and began appearing on her face, she said she became “really insecure.” This highlights an important aspect of psoriasis and mental health: visible skin conditions can have a significant psychological impact. Feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, and low self-esteem are common among some people living with chronic skin disorders.
Kim’s experience with Broc Shot
Kim says she has also found a routine that she believes helps keep her psoriasis under control. She has partnered with Broc Shot, a supplement containing sulforaphane, a compound derived from broccoli seeds.
She said she noticed itching return after forgetting to take the supplement and reported that the symptoms improved after restarting it. However, Kardashian’s personal experience should not be interpreted as proof that sulforaphane can treat or cure psoriasis.