INTERVIEW

LeAnn Rimes Interview: Her Courageous Battle With Psoriasis 

July 10, 2009 11:45 pm by Catherine Morgan in Health

So...A few weeks ago I was asked if I would like to interview LeAnn Rimes about her struggles with psoriasis and her awareness campaign Stop Hiding & Start Living.  I think it's a great campaign and I was happy to help bring more awareness to this physically and emotionally debilitating skin condition. **Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is NOT contagious.

As women we so often feel bad about ourselves because of the way we look.  We might be having a bad hair day, or have a bit of acne on our face, or feel like we could stand to lose a few more pounds...It's really a vicious cycle and sometimes even a pit of despair that we never seem to quite be able to climb out of. I think that's why stories like the one LeAnn Rimes will share with us in this interview are so empowering. 

The American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation have joined together to form the Stop Hiding from Psoriasis public education campaign. This campaign is dedicated to:

• Educating the general public about how this chronic immune disorder affects nearly 7 million Americans.
• 
  
  Motivating patients suffering from psoriasis to Stop Hiding and
  Start Living.
• 
  
  Encouraging patients to see a dermatologist and discuss appropriate ways to manage
  their disease.

LeAnn Rimes stands up to psoriasis...

The spotlight has followed singer LeAnn Rimes for most of her life. Unfortunately, so has the embarrassment of her psoriasis. But not anymore. LeAnn is taking a stand to Stop Hiding from her psoriasis and wants you to Stop Hiding and Start Living too.

Earlier this week I spoke with LeAnn...

 How difficult was it growing up with psoriasis and at such a young age?

 Well yes, I was diagnosed when I was two, so I pretty much don’t know anything other than having it...by the time I was six I was 80% covered, everything but my hands, feet and face. It was very debilitating physically and mentally. Even as a child having people really not understanding what the disease is and thinking it was contagious and trying to stay away from me. My parents really did a good job of covering it up, especially my mom, [with] the way she dressed me. And it was hard, it was hard being in the public eye.  'Til the time I was 13 I wasn't really able to wear dresses (short dresses) on the red carpet, or shorts in the middle of the summer…I would always wear jeans. It was really tough; it took a toll on my self esteem for a long time.

 Did other children tease you when you were a child?

 Yes, I would sometimes miss out on pool parties and things because I would never want to be around other girls with my bathing suite on – because they really didn’t understand what it was.

 Was this before there were effective treatments?

 There were effective treatments, but not as many as there are now. When I was six and I was really badly covered, I did a treatment where they literally take coal tar and wrap you in saran wrap for six hours, for two in a half weeks, five days a week. You sit there, and it’s just the most excruciating thing I think I’ve ever been through – but it works for like two and a half months, and then it comes right back.

 Are some of the treatments worth the trouble of side effects?

 If I wasn’t on the medicine that I am on now (which has kept me clear for the last five years), I would be completely covered. For me, the negative effects of the medications I can overlook - because it’s my life, it’s what I do...But it’s also my well being and my mental well being, and it definitely takes a toll. And we now know that psoriasis is linked to depression.  So I think sometimes the benefits do outweigh the negative effects of the medicine. Then sometimes it doesn't...I mean, I've been on medication where I had to give blood every couple of weeks to check my liver functions and my kidney functions, and my blood pressure...but that was for a very short period of time because it took a toll on me and my body.

 Do your symptoms prevent you from enjoying summer activities? Like going to the beach and swimming in chlorinated swimming pools?

 I have to be really careful. The beach is great, salt water has always been great for my skin. I do get in the sun, my Dermatologist has always said 20 minutes of unprotected sun is really good for psoriasis; so I do that, and I'm really careful about my skin though, I do wear a lot of sunscreen. I am careful about going into chlorinated pools, and I don't stay in there very long when I do. The chlorine really dries my skin out, and I think from having psoriasis so young and feeling the tightness on my skin...I cant get out the pool or shower without immediately applying lotion, because I hate that feeling.

 When it comes to treatments, are some helpful for some people and not for others?

 Treatment varies. There are so many different treatments, and through the campaign we are trying to encourage people with psoriasis to partner with their dermatologist to figure out what treatment is right for them.

 What about people with psoriasis who are uninsured or under insured?

 You can find information on all of that on the website stophiding.org and I think the National Psoriasis Foundation actually has even more information on their website about that too.

 It's such a big issue right now, and it's a shame that people have a condition that is treatable but they can't afford the treatment.

 I know several people that have it and can’t get the medication they need. It is very frustrating. The medication I am on now was not approved for psoriasis when I was started on it, so until it was approved I paid $1400 for every shot (getting shots every two weeks). I had tried every treatment out there except for this one treatment, so it’s the only thing that worked.

So, after the interview was over I realized there had been one important issue I wanted to ask LeAnn about, but I had totally forgot to ask her. 

In researching for this interview I came across a study done by the Archives of Dermatology. Here is an excerpt from the article...

If you are one of the millions of Americans who currently suffer from psoriasis, you may have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or blockages in the legs, arms and groin, according to new research. Those who suffer with psoriasis, an irritating skin condition, which is also associated with atherosclerosis, a disease of the blood vessels signaled by plaque buildup, might also have an increased risk of dying. Psoriasis, a condition that causes raised, silvery plaque-looking skin, affects around 7 million Americans. Several previously released studies have indicated a link between psoriasis and several other systemic, inflammatory diseases. Now, a new study published in the June issue of the Archives of Dermatology, indicates a greater risk of strokes, heart conditions and blockages for psoriasis sufferers.

I was wondering if LeAnn had heard about this study, and what she thought about it? Thankfully, I was able to get her response via email.

 It is important that people understand psoriasis is more than a skin disease – it’s a chronic immune disorder and people with the disease are at increased risk for developing other serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression.

Well, it was great to have the opportunity to talk with LeAnn this week about her struggles and triumphs over psoriasis.  I could tell she was genuine in her concern for others suffering with this condition.  I think her story has the power to inspire other young women who might be suffering with psoriasis, and even women who are simply struggling with body image issues.  

And as non-psoriasis sufferers, we need to work hard at educating ourselves and others while helping to lift the stigma associated with this condition - so we are not adding to the pain that people with psoriasis are already suffering. 

ORIGINAL WEBSITE