There’s something magical about Cyndi Lauper, the lively artist behind the 1983 hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” a song that quickly became a global anthem, encouraging women everywhere to embrace fun and freedom.
Lauper is the definition of cool. Her quirky, carefree personality, playful fashion, and colorful hair inspire people with her message to always be yourself.
However, behind the playful voice that spreads joy to her listeners, Lauper battles a severe skin condition called psoriasis. At one point, it was so intense that, as she described, “It looked like someone threw boiling water on me.”
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The legendary pop star, now 69, recently opened up about her ongoing battle with psoriasis—a chronic skin condition that has no cure—since she was first diagnosed in 2010.
Psoriasis can cause severe pain, itching, discomfort, and rough, scaly patches on the skin. About 8 million people in the U.S. and 125 million globally live with this condition.
Lauper’s symptoms started as scalp irritation and general discomfort, which worsened over time.
Initially, she thought her itchy scalp was from frequently coloring her hair, but the symptoms continued, causing both physical pain and emotional strain for the award-winning musician.
The “Time after Time” singer is a busy mother, touring pop star, and activist.
Inspired by her sister Ellen, who is a lesbian, Lauper has become a strong supporter of LGBT rights, working tirelessly to advocate for the community.
Her 2005 song “Above the Clouds” was written in honor of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay student who was beaten to death in Wyoming. Lauper also started the “True Colors” concert tour in 2007-2008, which raises support for local and private LGBT charities and organizations.
Besides her advocacy, Lauper has an impressive career as a singer, songwriter, and actor. Over the past forty years, she has received many awards, including a Tony Award, two Grammy Awards, an MTV Music Video Award, and an Emmy Award for her role in a 1995 episode of the TV show *Mad About You*.
She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2013, her humanitarian work earned her a special invitation to attend President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Despite her diagnosis, Lauper continues to stay strong. She is committed to not letting psoriasis hold her back and works on managing stress to avoid triggering flare-ups.
When she was first diagnosed and dealing with severe psoriasis, Lauper wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical *Kinky Boots*, which won her a Tony Award for Best Original Score. She became the first woman to win a Tony in that category on her own. The show also won five more Tony Awards, including Best New Musical.
In a conversation with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Lauper openly shared her experience living with the autoimmune skin condition, hoping her story might help others.
“I’ve never been able to really manage stress,” she admitted, explaining that she now takes a holistic approach to healing and stress relief both at home and on the road. She learned reiki, a Japanese technique for relaxation, saying, “That helps me.”
Along with reiki, Lauper works to stay grounded by meditating, practicing yoga, or taking walks in the fresh air with her dog and her husband, David Thornton, whom she married in 1991. The couple has one son, born in 1997.
“It’s not a bad thing to take care of yourself,” Lauper said, urging people to always “make a little time for you.”
She encourages starting small. “How about five minutes for you?” she added.
Lauper speaks with resilience about her experience, explaining that “when psoriasis gets really bad, it’s really hard to get up again.” She shared that at times, she couldn’t regulate her body temperature, leading to chills that could result in hypothermia. Even when resting, her condition only worsened, and hearing people dismiss it as “just a rash” added to her struggles.
“You don’t have to suffer,” Lauper said. Treatments, such as topical and oral medication or injections, can help ease the often unbearable symptoms of psoriasis. For Lauper, she found relief with Novartis’ Cosentyx, and as a spokesperson for the medication, she happily shares that she’s been “four years clear.”
In 2017, Lauper spoke with HealthDay about managing her psoriasis.
“It’s funny—you start wearing gloves, or this and that, hoping [psoriasis] is invisible, but it’s not. I didn’t show it off, like, ‘Woo-hoo, check this out!’ Doesn’t everyone try to hide it? You’d be surprised how many people have it and don’t talk about it. It’s one of those invisible things, so it’s good to talk about it.”
She shares more about it on her podcast *PsO in the Know*, where she talks with celebrities, advocates, and everyday people who offer insights on living with psoriasis.
The show is now in its third season and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pandora, and Stitcher.
Lauper isn’t the only celebrity with psoriasis. Kim Kardashian, now 42, was diagnosed at 30 and is open about her challenges. Her mom, Kris Jenner, 67, had her first outbreak in her late 20s and said it was “life-changing.” Other celebrities with psoriasis include musician Art Garfunkel, 81, actor Jon Lovitz, 65, and Jerry Mathers, 74, known as “The Beaver.”
What does it mean to wear a ring on the right hand?
Rings are more than just beautiful accessories — they’re statements. And when you wear one on your right hand, you might be saying more than you think. Whether it’s a piece you wear daily or something you slip on for special occasions, the hand and finger you choose can reveal a lot about your personality, culture, and values.
Ever found yourself wearing a ring on your right hand without much thought? Maybe it just felt right. But believe it or not, this small gesture can carry powerful meaning. Let’s explore the symbolism, cultural influence, and personality clues that come from this simple choice.
The Right Hand: A Symbol of Action, Power, and Identity
Wearing a ring on your right hand isn’t just about comfort or fashion — it’s often a declaration. In many traditions, the right hand symbolizes action, dominance, and self-expression. It’s associated with doing, leading, and asserting.
Historically, the right hand has always held importance. Think of handshakes, salutes, and vows — they’re almost always done with the right hand. In ancient societies, nobles wore their signet rings on the right to stamp letters and seal deals. It was a way of showing rank and control.
In astrology, the right hand is tied to solar energy — confidence, courage, and brightness. So if you’re sporting a ring on this hand, you might be subconsciously tapping into a bold and driven version of yourself.
Every Finger Tells a Different Story
Not all fingers are created equal — at least not when it comes to rings. The finger you choose to wear your ring on speaks volumes, and here’s what each one could mean.
Video : The Finger Symbolism For Rings
The Index Finger: Confidence and Command
Historically, this was the finger of kings and queens, judges and generals. A ring here signals ambition, leadership, and a take-charge attitude. People who wear rings on their index finger aren’t afraid to make bold moves or voice strong opinions.
The Middle Finger: Balance and Strength
Smack in the center of the hand, the middle finger represents balance, responsibility, and structure. A ring here can suggest someone who values fairness, order, and a grounded life. Plus, it naturally draws the eye — so it’s perfect for someone confident and unafraid of attention.
The Ring Finger: Love and Loyalty
Most people associate the ring finger with weddings — and for good reason. But did you know that in many cultures, wedding rings are worn on the right hand? In Orthodox Christian countries, for example, the right ring finger is the go-to spot for wedding bands.
Even outside of marriage, a ring on this finger can symbolize love — for yourself, for someone else, or for a cause close to your heart.
The Little Finger: Expression and Originality
Small in size, big in personality. The pinky finger is often linked to creativity, individuality, and flair. In history, it was used for family crests and class rings. Today, it’s often worn by artists, entrepreneurs, and people who want to stand out in a crowd.
The Thumb: Power and Influence
Wearing a ring on your thumb? That’s a bold move — and one that’s often associated with power, wealth, and freedom. In some Asian cultures, thumb rings have long been seen as status symbols. They’re not common, which makes them all the more eye-catching.
Cultural Differences That Shape Meaning
The meaning of a ring can shift dramatically based on where you are in the world. In fact, the very hand you wear it on might have deep cultural or spiritual significance.
- In Orthodox Christian tradition, wedding bands go on the right ring finger.
- In India, gemstones are worn on specific fingers of the right hand to align with astrology and energy fields.
- In Western cultures, the right hand often represents independence and personal growth — especially when a ring is worn outside of marriage.
So that seemingly simple band? It could be carrying centuries of tradition and symbolism without you even realizing it.
Metal and Gemstone Choices: More Than Just Style
Beyond the hand and finger, your choice of metal and stone says something too. Let’s decode the meanings behind common materials and gems.
Gold (Yellow): Tradition, wealth, loyalty
White Gold or Platinum: Modernity, refinement, clarity
Silver: Intuition, peace, emotional balance
Diamond: Strength, resilience, eternal love
Ruby: Passion, courage, intensity
Sapphire: Wisdom, truth, loyalty
Emerald: Growth, prosperity, harmony
Amethyst: Spirituality, calmness, self-reflection
Put these together and your ring becomes a personal statement piece. A sapphire on your right index finger? That’s saying, “I’m wise, loyal, and ready to lead.” A silver band on your pinky? “I’m original, calm, and not afraid to be different.”
A Quiet Statement with Loud Impact
Wearing a ring on your right hand might seem subtle, but it sends a message. Maybe you’re not shouting it out loud, but people around you are picking up the cues. Rings are like silent storytellers — they hint at your values, your intentions, and your experiences.
Video : Rings & Their Meaning, Symbolism For Men – What Finger(s) To Wear A Ring On
Whether you wear it to honor tradition, mark a milestone, or just because it looks good — it matters.
Conclusion: Your Right-Hand Ring Speaks Before You Do
The next time you slide a ring onto your right hand, pause for a moment. Think about what it means. Maybe it’s about love, maybe it’s about leadership, maybe it’s your own secret source of strength.
No matter the reason, one thing’s for sure — your jewelry says more than you think. So wear it with pride, wear it with meaning, and remember that even the smallest piece of metal on your finger can be a powerful reflection of who you are.
Your hand speaks before your words ever do. Let your ring be part of that story.
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