Baring All with Psoriasis
- Supermodel Cara Delevingne recently enjoyed a beach day on a birthday trip to the island of Formentera, Spain with A-list actresses Sienna Miller and Margot Robbie.
- Cara, who just turned 30, is a hero for people like herself who suffer from psoriasis, a skin condition that causes flaky patches of skin. She famously hit NYC’s last Met Gala exposing her bare skin during a flare-up and regularly advocates for the disease, which can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing for many.
- If you are showing symptoms of psoriasis or suffering alone from the condition, just know that there are many ways to help ease your discomfort. Make an appointment with a dermatologist who can steer you in the right direction and help provide relief.
Looking low-key in a black bodysuit, denim shorts, along with a bucket hat, Cara appeared relaxed with her famous friends as they came back from dinner.
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Cara’s Psoriasis Advocacy
Cara Delevigne has modeled for glamorous luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior and Burberry, but we think nothing makes more of a statement than Cara striking a pose at NYC's Met Gala last May, blatantly showing patches of psoriasis on her elbows.For a public figure like Cara to help reduce the shame of the disease and use her platform to redefine beauty, flaws and all, is what makes a true role model.
Initially arriving to fashion's biggest night in a red pantsuit, the British stunner removed her blazer to reveal her top half and breasts covered in gold body paint, leaving her elbow patches exposed and free of paint, on full display.
Although the situation wasn't overly ideal and Cara has admitted that she gets flare-ups during stressful times (like fashion week), she could have altered her look to hide her flaws but thankfully chose not to. And she gained some new fans along the way who thanked her for her bold choice.
One of her supporters shared that she is affected by lupus, which is also an autoimmune disorder, and said that she felt inspired by Cara:
"If Cara Delevingne can go on the red carpet in front of millions and show her psoriasis flare up, then I can go out in my small town and show my lupus scars. We are both still beautiful."
Another fan expressed her respect for the London-born stunner.
"ok like i don't really care too much about celebrities but cara delevigne leaving her psoriasis visible in her met gala look is so validating to me (I've been SO embarrassed by the severe eczema i developed on my hands)."
Like psoriasis, eczema causes red, itchy, dry patches on the skin.
How Supermodel Cara Delevingne is Inspiring Psoriasis Sufferers
Cara has spoken out about the harmful misconception about her skin condition in the past. Psoriasis is not contagious. "People would put on gloves and not want to touch me because they thought it was, like, leprosy or something," she told The Times in 2015.
Nearly a decade ago, she was getting her psoriasis scabs painted over and concealed for a Louis Vuitton show, which reveals how much the industryand her confidencehave changed.
Learning More About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease, which means that it does not have a cure. Fortunately, symptoms can often by managed with different treatments and, for some, even lifestyle adjustments. The disease is rare; only about 3.2% of the U.S. population has it, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
What is Psoriasis? Understanding the Different Types and Symptoms of This Rare Skin Condition
"Psoriasis is a chronic, auto-immune skin condition where you have red, scaly patches on the skin," Dr. Saakshi Khattri, a Dermatologist/Rheumatologist at Mount Sinai Health System, tells SurvivorNet.
"It is a long-term condition, which can ebb and flow. You can have good days and bad days."
Dr. Saakshi explains that while anyone can develop psoriasis, the disease is more common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Researchers believe genetics, as well as environmental factors, may play a vital role in the development of this disease.
If you are showing symptoms of psoriasis or suffering alone from the condition, just know that there are many ways to help ease your discomfort. Make an appointment with a dermatologist who can steer you in the right direction and help provide relief.
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