When you think of Kim Kardashian, you probably picture flawless red-carpet looks, glowing skin, and carefully styled photos. But behind the glamour, Kim has been open about a very human struggle: psoriasis. For years, she has shared her journey on social media and on her family’s reality show, helping to normalise conversations about this often-misunderstood skin condition.
If you’re living with psoriasis yourself, you might have found comfort in seeing someone so high-profile talk honestly about flare-ups, treatments, and the frustration that comes with unpredictable skin. It’s a reminder that no matter how perfect someone’s life might seem online, they can still deal with the same challenges you face every day.
So, how did Kim Kardashian manage to clear her psoriasis or at least keep it under control most of the time? The answer isn’t as simple as one miracle product or a quick fix. Like many people with psoriasis, Kim’s journey involved trial and error, lifestyle changes, and professional treatments.
Kim has spoken about using everything from prescription creams and light therapy to herbal teas and diet changes in her search for relief. She’s tried medical-grade treatments under the guidance of dermatologists, but she has also experimented with natural remedies to see what her body responds to best. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the options out there, you’ll probably relate to the way she tested different approaches before finding a routine that worked for her.
What Psoriasis Actually Is
Before diving deeper into Kim’s story, it helps to understand what psoriasis really means. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition, which basically means your immune system is working overtime and sending the wrong signals to your skin. Instead of shedding and renewing itself at a normal pace, your skin cells start growing much faster than they should. Because of this rapid turnover, the old cells don’t have time to fall off naturally, leaving you with thick, scaly patches that can feel dry, itchy, or even painful.
If you’ve ever noticed red, raised areas on your skin that seem to stick around no matter how much you moisturise, that might sound familiar. These patches can crack, itch, or become sore, which can be uncomfortable both physically and emotionally. The good news is that while psoriasis can be stubborn, it isn’t contagious. You can’t “catch” it from someone else, and no one can catch it from you.
Genetics also play a big role. Kim has openly shared that her mother, Kris Jenner, dealt with psoriasis as well, which isn’t surprising. If you have psoriasis, there’s a good chance someone in your family tree may have it too. Knowing this can actually be helpful it reminds you that it’s not your fault and that your condition has a biological root rather than being caused by something you did wrong.
Another thing to keep in mind is that psoriasis doesn’t show up the same way for everyone. Your flare-ups might appear as silvery scales on your elbows, while someone else might notice it on their scalp, knees, or even nails.
Kim Kardashian’s Psoriasis Story
Kim’s first noticeable flare-up happened in her early 30s, and because her life was already being documented on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the cameras captured everything. Viewers watched as red, scaly patches appeared on her legs and stomach a striking contrast to the perfectly polished image many people associated with her. For someone who spends so much time in front of cameras, choosing to show those flare-ups was a bold move. She could easily have hidden behind makeup or editing, but instead she let the world see her reality.
If you’ve ever dealt with psoriasis yourself, you know how hard it can be to expose those patches to others. Kim’s decision to share her flare-ups, knowing millions would be watching, was more than a TV moment it was a reminder that skin conditions don’t define your worth. Whether you’re a celebrity or someone just trying to get through a workday, that kind of openness can feel empowering.
Over the years, Kim’s psoriasis didn’t stay in one neat, predictable spot. Sometimes it was a small patch on her leg that she could cover with clothing. Other times, flare-ups spread across her stomach, back, or even her face. She’s said that her symptoms can change from week to week, sometimes triggered by stress, travel, fatigue, or diet.
Kim has also talked openly about the emotional impact of psoriasis. Even with access to some of the best dermatologists and treatments in the world, she admitted that there were days when flare-ups made her feel self-conscious or anxious. She’s spoken about worrying whether people were staring at her patches or whether certain outfits would draw attention to them.
Treatments Kim Has Tried
Managing psoriasis isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and Kim Kardashian’s experience is proof of that. Over the years, she has experimented with a wide range of treatments some medical, some lifestyle-based, and some a little outside the box. If you’re living with psoriasis yourself, you might recognise a few of these approaches from your own trial-and-error process.
Topical Creams and Ointments
Kim has spoken about using prescription steroid creams and soothing over-the-counter lotions to calm redness and scaling. If you’ve ever applied these yourself, you know they can bring quick relief when a patch is inflamed or itchy. But like many people, Kim found that while creams are helpful for calming a flare in the moment, they don’t always stop new patches from appearing. For long-term management, they’re often just one piece of a bigger plan.
Light Therapy
Phototherapy is one of the most common medical treatments for psoriasis, and Kim has tried versions of it under a dermatologist’s supervision. This therapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of UV light to slow down the overactive skin cell growth that causes plaques. It’s not something you can safely replicate with a sunbed at home, but in a clinical setting, many patients including Kim find it can make a noticeable difference over time. If you’ve been frustrated with topical treatments, this might be an option to discuss with your dermatologist.
Diet Adjustments
Kim has also experimented with diet changes to see if they could reduce her flare-ups. At different times, she’s tried plant-based eating, cut back on dairy, and eliminated certain processed foods to test whether inflammation in her diet might be a trigger. Results varied sometimes her skin improved, sometimes it didn’t but her willingness to explore the food connection highlights an important truth: what you eat can influence your skin, though triggers are different for everyone. If you’re curious, keeping a food journal can help you track whether certain ingredients worsen your symptoms.
Alternative Remedies
Like many people with chronic conditions, Kim hasn’t stopped at conventional medicine. She’s explored herbal ointments, detox drinks, and other natural approaches in search of extra relief. While these remedies aren’t scientifically proven, they’re common among people with psoriasis who are looking for something gentle to pair with prescribed treatments. If you’re thinking of trying alternative options, it’s always worth checking in with a doctor first to make sure they’re safe for your skin and won’t interfere with any medications.
Stress Management
One of the clearest patterns Kim noticed over the years is that stress often sparks a flare-up. Long filming schedules, travel, and the pressures of public life all took a toll on her skin. To counter this, she invested time in wellness routines everything from regular exercise and meditation to prioritising rest when possible. If you’ve ever seen a flare follow a stressful week, you know how powerful stress management can be. Building daily habits that help you unwind, even something as simple as deep breathing or a short walk, can make a real difference in keeping your skin calmer.
Kim’s willingness to try so many different approaches shows what many people with psoriasis eventually learn: there isn’t a single magic cure. Instead, it’s about finding the right mix of treatments, lifestyle changes, and self-care habits that work for you.
How Effective Were These Approaches?
The truth is that psoriasis doesn’t have a permanent cure, no matter how much money, access, or expertise you have. Kim herself has been very upfront about this reality, admitting that while some treatments helped calm her flare-ups, her psoriasis never completely disappeared for good. If you’ve been searching for a miracle fix, her experience is a reminder that the goal is management, not total elimination. That might sound discouraging at first, but it can actually feel freeing you can stop chasing an impossible “cure” and focus instead on what genuinely improves your day-to-day life.
At times, Kim’s skin has looked clear and smooth, giving her (and her fans) a glimpse of what remission can feel like. During those periods, treatments like light therapy or a carefully managed diet seemed to keep her psoriasis at bay. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, flare-ups would return, often triggered by stress, travel, or changes in routine. If you’ve ever experienced a sudden outbreak just when you thought you had everything under control, you know how frustrating that rollercoaster can be. Kim’s story highlights the importance of staying consistent with your routine, even when your skin appears to be doing well.
That honesty matters more than you might think. By sharing both the highs and the setbacks, Kim sets realistic expectations for anyone dealing with psoriasis. If a celebrity with unlimited resources, top dermatologists, and access to the newest treatments still has flare-ups, it proves that managing psoriasis is about control, not perfection. And that’s a message worth holding onto you don’t have to “beat” psoriasis to live confidently and comfortably. Progress counts, even if the journey includes ups and downs along the way.
What You Can Learn from Her Journey
Kim’s story isn’t just celebrity gossip it’s a roadmap full of lessons you can use in your own fight with psoriasis. Her openness shows that while the journey can be unpredictable, there are strategies that can help you feel more in control.
Trial and error is normal – Psoriasis reacts differently for everyone, so what clears Kim’s skin might do nothing for yours and that’s perfectly okay. Finding the right treatment often means trying creams, therapies, or lifestyle changes and watching how your body responds. It can feel frustrating when something doesn’t work right away, but every attempt gives you valuable clues about what your skin needs. Think of it as detective work rather than failure.
Know your triggers – For Kim, stress was a big factor. For you, it might be cold weather, a certain food, a lack of sleep, or even a new medication. Tracking flare-ups in a journal or app can help you spot patterns over time. Once you identify your triggers, you can take steps to avoid or minimise them, giving you a sense of control even when the condition itself can’t be cured.
Stay consistent – Treatments often take weeks or even months to show results. It’s tempting to stop a routine when you don’t see immediate changes, but psoriasis responds best to steady, ongoing care. Whether you’re using topical creams, light therapy, or dietary changes, sticking with your plan even on good-skin days can prevent flare-ups from sneaking back. Think of consistency as an investment in your future comfort.
Don’t hide – Kim’s decision to show her flare-ups on national television inspired millions to embrace their own skin conditions. You don’t have to share your story with the whole world, but you can take pride in your journey instead of feeling ashamed. Wearing short sleeves, talking openly with loved ones, or simply refusing to let psoriasis dictate your self-esteem are all powerful ways to reclaim your confidence. Remember, your worth isn’t defined by the patches on your skin.
The Importance of Specialist Care
While it’s inspiring to see how Kim managed her psoriasis, your own journey should always be guided by personalised medical advice. What worked for her might give you ideas, but a dermatologist can create a plan tailored to your skin type, symptom severity, and lifestyle. Psoriasis is a medical condition, not just a cosmetic concern, so expert input makes a big difference in getting long-lasting results.
A dermatologist might recommend topical creams, phototherapy, or even biologic injections for more severe cases. These treatments are backed by science and carefully adjusted to suit your unique needs, rather than relying on trial-and-error alone. Regular check-ins also allow your doctor to monitor progress and tweak your plan if your skin changes over time.
Unlike celebrity routines, which often involve experimenting with whatever is trending, professional care ensures every step is safe, targeted, and designed to give you the best chance at relief. Seeing a specialist can feel like a big step, but it’s the most reliable way to move beyond short-term fixes and start managing psoriasis with confidence. And when you combine expert guidance with healthy habits like stress management and a gentle skincare routine you give yourself the strongest foundation for clearer, calmer skin.
FAQs About Psoriasis
1. Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot “catch” it from someone who has the condition, nor can you pass it on to others. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning it occurs because your immune system triggers your skin cells to grow too quickly. While the red, scaly patches can look alarming, they pose no risk of infection or transmission. Understanding this can help you feel more comfortable in social situations and reduce unnecessary stigma.
2. What triggers psoriasis flare-ups?
Psoriasis triggers vary from person to person. Common triggers include stress, changes in weather, skin injuries, certain medications, and dietary factors. For example, Kim Kardashian has shared that stress often worsens her flare-ups, while others may notice their symptoms flare after eating certain foods or experiencing infections. Keeping a journal of flare-ups, lifestyle habits, and diet can help you identify what specifically affects your skin, so you can take steps to minimise outbreaks.
3. Can lifestyle changes really help?
Yes. While lifestyle changes won’t cure psoriasis, they can significantly reduce flare-ups and improve your overall skin health. Stress management, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper skincare routines all contribute to calmer skin. Even small adjustments, like switching to gentle soaps or moisturisers, getting enough sleep, or practicing mindfulness, can make a noticeable difference in how your skin feels and looks.
4. What treatments are available?
There are multiple treatment options, ranging from topical creams and ointments to phototherapy and systemic medications like biologic injections. Mild cases often respond well to moisturisers and steroid creams, while more severe cases may require light therapy or prescription medications. A dermatologist can tailor a treatment plan specifically for you, based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health, which is far more effective than trying random remedies on your own.
5. Can psoriasis go away permanently?
Currently, there is no permanent cure for psoriasis. However, with proper management, it can be controlled effectively. Treatments, lifestyle changes, and stress management can keep flare-ups under control for long periods. Your skin may have periods of remission, where it looks clear, but flare-ups can return, which is why ongoing care and regular dermatologist visits are important. The goal is to manage the condition so it doesn’t interfere with your quality of life.
6. Can psoriasis affect other parts of the body besides the skin?
Yes, psoriasis can sometimes affect more than just your skin. Some people develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Nails can also be affected, leading to pitting, discoloration, or thickening. Even though psoriasis is primarily a skin condition, it can have wider health implications, so it’s important to mention any joint or nail symptoms to your dermatologist. Early intervention can prevent complications and help you manage the condition more comfortably.
Final Thought: Take Control of Your Psoriasis with the Right Support
Kim Kardashian’s honesty about psoriasis brought global attention to a condition many people live with in silence. Her journey shows that even with resources and access, psoriasis is about management, not a perfect cure.
The key takeaway for you is that treatments exist, but finding the right one requires patience, persistence, and support. If you’re ready to take control of your psoriasis, our Psoriasis Clinic in London offers expert guidance and tailored treatment plans.
References:
1. National Psoriasis Foundation & American Academy of Dermatology (2023). Psoriasis Guidelines. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-guidelines/
2. American Academy of Dermatology (2021). Psoriasis Clinical Guideline. Available at: https://www.aad.org/member/clinical-quality/guidelines/psoriasis
3. Pelechas, E. (2024). State of the Art Review on the Treatment of Psoriatic Disease. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11082764
4. Poizeau, F. (2024). Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis in Adults: An Overview. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0151963824000437
5. Gossec, L. (2024). EULAR Recommendations for the Management of Psoriatic Arthritis. Available at: https://ard.bmj.com/content/83/6/706