5 Shocking Ways Kim Kardashian Battles Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis: A 2025 Health Update

Kim Kardashian has been an open book about her decades-long battle with the autoimmune condition psoriasis, a struggle that has recently escalated with a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, bringing her health journey into sharp focus as of December 13, 2025. Her willingness to share raw, unfiltered photos of her skin flare-ups—from her face to her legs—has transformed a private health issue into a global conversation, offering a rare, candid look at the daily reality of living with a chronic, visible disease. This in-depth article explores the reality of Kim Kardashian's condition, the controversial and cutting-edge treatments she has tried, and the latest updates on how she is managing her symptoms, including a strict dietary regimen and a recent, painful flare-up that required intensive home care.

Kim Kardashian: A Brief Profile and Autoimmune Journey

Kim Kardashian is one of the world's most recognizable media personalities, a successful entrepreneur, and a reality television star who first rose to fame on *Keeping Up with the Kardashians*. Her influence spans fashion, beauty, and business, but her personal life, including her health battles, has often been a central part of her public narrative. * Full Name: Kimberly Noel Kardashian * Born: October 21, 1980 * Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S. * Occupation: Media Personality, Socialite, Model, Businesswoman (SKIMS, KKW Beauty), Producer * Initial Psoriasis Diagnosis: 2000s (around age 30) * Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosis: Confirmed after initial misdiagnosis of Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis * Source of Psoriasis: Her mother, Kris Jenner, also has the condition, suggesting a genetic link.

The Painful Reality: From Psoriasis to Psoriatic Arthritis

Kim Kardashian's journey with her skin condition began in her late 20s, but the severity of her symptoms has increased over time, leading to a more complex medical picture.

The Initial Shock of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal, leading to red, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Kim first noticed the tell-tale signs in her early 30s, a moment she has described as life-altering. The condition is often stress-induced, and the pressure of her high-profile life is a known trigger for her flare-ups.

The Terrifying Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosis

The star's health took a more serious turn when she began experiencing debilitating joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Initially, her medical team suspected she might have rheumatoid arthritis or even lupus, two severe autoimmune disorders. After extensive testing, she received the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition that affects up to 30% of people with psoriasis. PsA causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potential long-term damage if left untreated. She has been candid about an episode where the pain was so severe it left her unable to use her hands.

Kim's Controversial Treatment Playbook and Latest Flare-Ups

Kim Kardashian has become known for her holistic, and sometimes unconventional, approach to managing her condition, often documenting her methods on social media, which provides the most current updates as of late 2024 and 2025.

1. The Saran Wrap Home Remedy

In a 2024 Instagram Story, Kim provided a raw look at her latest flare-up, showing her leg covered in cream and then tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, often referred to as Saran Wrap or occlusion therapy. This method is used to enhance the absorption of topical creams, such as prescription corticosteroids, by sealing the moisture in and intensifying the medication's effect. While a dermatologist may recommend this technique, Kim's public display brought significant attention to this specific home remedy.

2. The Power of Light Therapy and Topicals

Kim has consistently relied on a combination of traditional and alternative treatments. She has used an at-home UV light-therapy device to target specific patches of her skin. Phototherapy, using controlled exposure to UV light, is a common and effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. Additionally, she has tried countless topical herbal treatments and prescription creams. In her quest for relief, she has even experimented with seaweed skincare products, highlighting the lengths she goes to in managing her skin.

3. The Controversial Medical Medium Approach

At one point, Kim consulted with a "Medical Medium," a controversial figure who promotes unproven dietary and lifestyle changes to treat chronic illnesses. This highlights a critical point: while Kim raises valuable awareness, some of the treatments she promotes, such as certain "smoothies" or unverified herbal remedies, are not always backed by scientific evidence and have drawn criticism from organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation.

The Plant-Based Diet: Kim's Psoriasis Secret Weapon

One of the most significant changes Kim has made to manage her autoimmune conditions is a dramatic shift in her diet, which she credits with providing the most substantial relief.

The Vegan/Plant-Based Switch

Kim Kardashian has publicly stated that adopting a mostly vegan or plant-based diet has significantly helped to manage her psoriasis symptoms. She believes that eliminating animal products, which can sometimes be inflammatory, has reduced the frequency and severity of her flare-ups. This approach aligns with the growing body of evidence suggesting that an anti-inflammatory diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats—can be beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The Met Gala Meat-Eating Mistake

A clear example of the dietary impact on her condition occurred during her preparation for a high-profile event. To fit into a specific dress, Kim followed a strict, short-term diet that required her to consume meat, which she typically avoids. She reported that this brief reintroduction of meat into her diet immediately triggered a painful psoriatic arthritis flare-up. This personal experience underscores her belief that diet is a major component of her overall treatment plan and acts as a powerful trigger for her autoimmune system.

4. The Importance of Internal Health

Beyond the surface-level treatments, Kim's journey emphasizes the systemic nature of psoriasis. It is not just a skin condition; it is an autoimmune disease rooted in internal inflammation. Her focus on a clean, plant-based diet, stress management, and constant communication with her medical team illustrates a multi-pronged strategy to manage an unpredictable and chronic condition. She has made it her mission to be more "mindful" of what she puts into her body, recognizing the direct link between her gut health and her skin health.

5. The Emotional Toll and Public Awareness

Kim's transparency has had a profound impact on the global community of people living with psoriasis. She has openly discussed the emotional toll of having a visible disease, admitting that she "always felt" the need to cover up her patches. By sharing her raw moments, she has helped to normalize the condition, encouraging others to seek diagnosis and treatment without shame. Her struggle, from the initial shock of a few red spots to the debilitating joint pain of psoriatic arthritis, serves as a powerful reminder that chronic illness affects everyone, regardless of fame or fortune. Her candor provides a fresh, current perspective that encourages a more empathetic public dialogue about autoimmune diseases.