Living with lupus is difficult, but not impossible. Many highly visible celebrities with lupus have lived long successful lives as lupus patients. Here we will list some well known celebrities with lupus and faces that have experienced lupus symptoms. Learn from their strength and realize that with determination and positivity, you can overcome lupus.
Michael Jackson
Diagnosis: Vitiligo and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Of all the celebrities with lupus, Michael Jackson is probably one of the most, if not the most well known. Jackson suffered from several diseases, not just lupus that were responsible for causing changes to his appearance. Vitiligo is a condition that causes depigmentation of the skin. Lupus is an autoimmune disease. Both diseases made Jackson extremely sensitive to light and slowly caused his skin to change color. According to J. Randy Taraborrelli's biography in 1986 Michael Jackson used Solaquin, Tretinoin and Benoquin to treat his conditions and reduce flares of lupus symptoms. He also had regular injections of hydroxychloroquine directly into his scalp. Dr. Arnie Klein told "Good Morning America" that he had diagnosed Michael Jackson with lupus when he was 50.
Spiritual teacher and medical doctor Deepak Chopra was a close friend of Michael Jackson. Chopra told People Magazine, "There's some recent research that suggests that if children have experienced either physical or verbal, mental, emotional or sexual abuse, then 20, 30 years later they can develop these autoimmune diseases including lupus." He then added, "Michael, he was never sexually abused but according to him, he was traumatized verbally and physically in his childhood, and it was a big issue with him." Gotham, Chopra's son, who was also close to Jackson said, "And the lupus, why he didn't just come out more clearly and say that was the problem, I'm not sure. But I know it was something that bothered him a lot."
Jackson always resented people claiming that he disliked his natural skin color and took to medical procedures to appear more European. In fact, Jackson clearly identified himself as being African-American. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993, Jackson publicly denied that he used skin bleaching techniques to change pigmentation on his face. After his death an autopsy validated Jackson's statements proving that the celebrity did in fact have vitiligo.
Seal
Diagnosis: Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Many people believed that the scars on Seal Samuel's face were from some violent act or a car accident. In fact, the scars are due the lupus disease and lupus symptoms. Lupus symptoms often include scaly lesions that form on the face, leaving permanent damage and scarring.
Seal openly accepts his diagnosis and has attended events supporting lupus research and reaching out to other patients. At the Los Angeles Orange Ball in Beverly Hills Seal said, "“You’ve all shown your generosity and your support, and as a 20-or-so-odd-year sufferer myself, I feel really fortunate to be in the position to contribute." When Seal married the uber-hot super model Heidi Klum, he showed the world that people with lupus are not victims and that there is more to you than your face.
Toni Braxton
Diagnosis: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
On her new reality show "Braxton Family Values" Grammy Award winning singer and top celebrity Toni Braxtom exclaimed, "This is what lupus looks like." Braxton was filmed with her doctors discussing the lupus disease and how it can affect many different areas of the body, not just the face, including joints, kidneys, blood cells, the heart and lungs. When responding to how she felt after sharing her illness with the family Braxton said, "I have to look at this show as a therapy session for me." That's great advice.
Dealing with the lupus disease and battling with lupus symptoms is hard. Even celebrities, with their top notch medical care and seemingly endless resources have to take it easy and come to terms with their illness. But with perseverance and understanding "what is lupus," you can live happily.
Lady Gaga
Diagnosis: Borderline Positive for Lupus
Recently added to the list of celebrities with lupus is Lady Gaga. In an interview with Larry King Live Lady Gaga said she was, "borderline positive for lupus." Critics immediately jumped on the vagueness but The Lupus Foundation of America gave some credit to Lady Gaga's statement claiming, "There are many challenges in confirming whether a person has lupus. Lupus symptoms can be unclear, can come and go, and can change over time. It may take months or even years for doctors to piece together evolving symptoms to accurately diagnose lupus. And the symptoms may be related to another condition entirely."It appears that "borderline positive" is a somewhat accurate lupus diagnosis.
Lupus is present in Lady Gaga's family history. She told King that "Lupus is in my family and it is genetic." Her aunt died of lupus in 1976. "The truth is, I don't show any signs, any symptoms of lupus. But I have tested borderline positive for the disease. So, as of right now, I do not have it, but I have to take good care of myself." Good advice. Even celebrities with lupus have to take care of themselves.
Celebrities with Lupus are Human Too
The lupus disease affects everyone, whether you have celebrity status or not. Many people with lupus feel ashamed and try to hide their face from the public. Celebrities with lupus don't have that luxury. They are forced to be in the public eye, whether during an event or being chased by the paparazzi. They have no options, but to come to terms with their disease, deal with the lupus symptoms and move forward with their career. You too can do the same. Don't let lupus get the best of you. Keep positive and always look ahead to a better future. Dealing with the disease is difficult but not impossible. Take a lesson from these celebrities with lupus.