This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
Kim Kardashian has been open about her struggles with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin. In a personal essay for her sister Kourtney's lifestyle website Poosh, Kim shares her 13-year journey with psoriasis, including her symptoms, treatments, and coping mechanisms.
Kim's psoriasis journey began when she was 25, after a common cold triggered a flare-up on her stomach and legs. She saw a dermatologist neighbor who gave her a cortisone shot, which cleared up her psoriasis for about five years. However, her psoriasis returned with ongoing flares, and she has since learned to live with the condition.
Kim has tried various home remedies, including natural ointments, creams, and teas, but found them exhausting. She has since adopted a plant-based diet and limits her stress to manage her symptoms. In a recent episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kim underwent testing for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis antibodies, but was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis instead.
Kim says she is managing her symptoms with a plant-based diet and stress-reducing techniques. "I live a healthy life and try to eat as plant-based as possible and drink sea moss smoothies," she writes. "With all the stress in life, I try to make sure I take time for myself so that I am centered and keep my stress to a minimum."
Kim's essay is a candid look at her experiences with psoriasis and her efforts to manage the condition. Her story serves as a reminder that living with a chronic illness requires patience, self-care, and a willingness to try new approaches.