Spilling the beans in her usual straightforward style, Kim Kardashian dropped a bombshell on the She MD podcast. She shared an intimate detail about her son’s health. The SKIMS mogul revealed that one of her sons is living with vitiligo.
This revelation came as Kim discussed her long-standing battle with psoriasis. She admitted her condition is hereditary. The condition affected her son, but not in the way one might expect.
Kim didn’t specify whether it was Saint, 8, or Psalm, 5, who had vitiligo. However, she assured listeners that the condition is “under control” for now.
“I passed it on in a different form to my son, who has vitiligo very mildly,” she said during the interview.
Her candidness shone through as she talked about learning to navigate this new challenge.
“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].”
Understanding Vitiligo
For those unfamiliar with vitiligo, it’s an autoimmune disorder. This condition causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases describes it as usually symmetrical.
These white patches often appear on both sides of the body, such as on both hands or both knees. Sometimes, the loss of color can be rapid and extensive. The Institute’s website further explains that the condition affects between 0.5% and 1% of the global population.
Kim’s revelation is significant because vitiligo is less commonly discussed. Notable figures with vitiligo include Michael Jackson, Joe Rogan, and model Winnie Harlow. Kim’s openness about her family’s experience brings much-needed attention to the condition.
Kim’s Battle with Psoriasis
Kim has been very open about her struggle with psoriasis. This skin condition, much like vitiligo, has been a part of her life for many years. On the podcast, she connected her son’s condition with her own genetic makeup. She mentioned that her psoriasis came from her mother.
“I passed it on in a different form,” she noted.
This has made her more conscious of the hereditary nature of skin conditions.
In January 2024, she shared a series of videos on Instagram. They showed an intense flare-up and offered a raw look at the painful reality of living with psoriasis.
“Not gonna lie this is painful. Not sure what my triggers are. I haven’t changed my diet. I’ve tried everything! Psoriasis sucks,” she wrote.
This level of transparency has helped fans and followers understand the chronic nature of such conditions.
Raising Awareness
Kim’s willingness to discuss her son’s vitiligo highlights her commitment to raising awareness about skin conditions. By sharing her family’s personal journey, she helps normalize these experiences.
Additionally, this approach encourages others to speak openly about their struggles. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing hereditary conditions.