Kim Kardashian Reveals Son's Vitiligo Diagnosis

During a recent interview on the She MD Podcast with hosts Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney, Kim Kardashian opened up about her son’s battle with vitiligo, a condition that causes your skin to lose its color or pigment. Celebrities like the late great Michael Jackson and model Winnie Harlow have faced challenges associated with the condition.

Kim, 43, did not mention which one of her boys, whom she shares with Ye (formerly Kanye West) was impacted by the rare skin disorder, but according to the star, the gene for vitiligo was passed down to her from her mother, Kris Jenner. 

“I passed it on in a different form to my son, who has vitiligo very mildly,” the reality TV star shared on the July 16 episode.

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes loss of skin color in patches. It occurs when the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives the skin its color, are destroyed or stop functioning, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition results in irregular white patches on the skin, which can vary in size and location. Per Very Well Health, approximately 1.9 million individuals in the United States have received a diagnosis of vitiligo. However, medical researchers estimate that the true number of cases could be as high as 2.8 million, considering many cases may go undiagnosed.

The exact cause of vitiligo is not entirely understood. Still, it is believed to involve autoimmune factors where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). Other factors, such as genetics, oxidative stress, and environmental triggers, may also play a role.

Vitiligo can affect any area of the body, including the skin, hair, and scalp. While the condition itself is not physically harmful or contagious, its visible nature and societal perceptions of skin color can have significant psychological and emotional impacts.

The incidence of vitiligo varies significantly across ethnic groups, with non-Hispanic whites experiencing the highest rate at 620 cases per 100,000 people. Non-Hispanic Blacks follow with 74 cases per 100,000, while both Hispanics and individuals of Asian or Southeast Asian descent have a similar incidence rate of 120 cases per 100,000, Very Well Health notes.

Kim mentioned that she has mastered treating her son’s condition and has effectively managed his symptoms.

“I didn’t know anything about it, but having to learn about it and figuring out where it came from and that it’s hereditary and just learning more and being able to share that [has been a blessing],” she added during her appearance on the She MD Podcast.

Treatment options for vitiligo aim to restore skin color or even out the skin tone and may include phototherapy (light therapy), oral medications, topical treatments, and sometimes surgery. Interestingly, an autopsy report for Michael Jackson obtained by Umass Chan Medical School disclosed that the beloved singer had been prescribed Benoquin 20% cream for his vitiligo before his tragic passing. This FDA-approved cream is used topically to help manage vitiligo by reducing discolored pigment. However, management often involves a combination of therapies tailored to the individual’s condition and response to treatment.

Kim Kardashian is seen with her children North, Saint and Chicago in SoHo on September 29, 2019 in New York City. Source: Gotham / Getty

Kim Kardashian suffers from psoriasis. 

Further along in the episode, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shed light on her struggles with psoriasis, which she developed around the age of 30. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body but commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It is not contagious.

Kim said she’s done everything she can to prevent flare-ups, which can be uncomfortable.

“I’ll do anything…I’ve tried special herbs, the holistic way, a celery juice diet for six weeks, every topical cream, every soap from natural to unnatural,” the star added.

Do you suffer from vitiligo or psoriasis? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

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