There’s something magical about the pixie-like Cyndi Lauper, whose 1983 hit song “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” became a universal anthem, inspiring women of all ages to do as the song suggests. Lauper embodies cool. Her quirky, carefree character, whimsical fashion, and colourful hair, empowers people with the message of being yourself. But, behind the cartoonish voice that sparks feel-good energy in her listeners, the artist struggles with a serious skin condition, psoriasis, which at one time was so aggressive that “It looked like someone threw boiling water on me.” The legendary pop star, now 69, recently revealed her ongoing struggle with psoriasis–an incurable chronic skin condition–since she was diagnosed in 2010

Psoriasis is a condition that can cause intense pain, itchiness, discomfort, and scaly patches. An estimated 8 million people in the U.S. and 125 million worldwide live with the skin disorder. Lauper’s first experienced symptoms like scalp irritations and overall discomfort, which over time became worse. At first, she attributed the itchy scalp to the frequent coloring of her hair, but the episodes continued, causing physical and emotional distress to the award-winning musician. The “Time after Time” singer is a busy mother, touring popstar and activist. A champion of human rights, a move inspired by her sister Ellen, who’s a lesbian, Lauper works tirelessly to support the LGBT community. Her 2005 song “Above the Clouds,” was written for Matthew Shepard, a gay 21-year-old student who was beaten to death in Wyoming. She also founded the 2007-2008 concert tour, “True Colors,” that supports local and private LGBT charities and foundations.