La La Anthony, known for her work in Hollywood, is not just a talented actress, producer, and entrepreneur but also someone who deals with the chronic autoimmune condition plaque psoriasis. Despite her glamorous appearance, Anthony has been quietly wrestling with this condition, which affects millions of people in the U.S. Hoping to inspire others and raise awareness, she has chosen to share her journey with plaque psoriasis.

What Is Plaque Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis, is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by raised, inflamed skin patches covered with silvery-white scales. These patches are typically found on areas like the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. In individuals with darker skin tones, the patches may appear dark gray, purple, or brown. Beyond its visible effects, plaque psoriasis can lead to severe itching, discomfort, and pain, complicating its nature beyond just a superficial skin issue.

As explained by Dr. Meagen McCusker, a board-certified dermatologist, plaque psoriasis stems from an overactive immune system that accelerates the production of skin cells. This immune system dysfunction causes healthy skin cells to be mistakenly attacked, resulting in inflammation and rapid cell accumulation. While a cure for plaque psoriasis is yet to be discovered, available treatments can effectively help manage the symptoms and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.

La La’s Early Symptoms and Diagnosis

For Anthony, the journey began with what seemed like minor annoyances—dry patches on her scalp and behind her ears. “At first, I thought it was just dandruff or maybe my skin was dry,” she shared in an interview. But as time went on, the condition spread to more visible areas like her eyebrows. That’s when she realized it wasn’t something she could ignore.

Initially, well-meaning friends and family brushed off her concerns with casual advice: drink more water or try a different lotion. But these quick fixes did little to address the root of the problem. As the condition worsened and began affecting her confidence and day-to-day life, Anthony sought help from a dermatologist. The diagnosis of plaque psoriasis was both a relief—finally having answers—and a challenge as she learned how to manage a lifelong condition.

Why Confidence Matters When Managing Plaque Psoriasis

Living with a visible skin condition can be emotionally draining, especially for someone constantly in the public eye. For Anthony, whose career involves red carpets and cameras at every turn, managing plaque psoriasis has required resilience and creativity. “I’ve had to figure out ways to live with it while being a public figure,” she explained.

Whether it meant choosing outfits that covered affected areas or dealing with flare-ups during workouts, Anthony refused to let her condition define her. She credits confidence as one of the most important tools in managing plaque psoriasis: “You don’t have to hide or feel unconfident because of your skin,” she said. “You can still walk into any room with your head held high.” Her candidness has encouraged others to embrace their imperfections and seek support without shame.

La La’s Advocacy for Awareness and Treatment

Anthony has turned her personal journey into an opportunity to advocate for others living with plaque psoriasis. Partnering with pharmaceutical companies like Amgen and participating in awareness campaigns, she encourages people to educate themselves about treatment options and consult healthcare professionals.

Her advocacy also stems from personal experiences at home. A heartfelt conversation with her teenage son Kiyan inspired her to be more open about her struggles. By sharing her story publicly, Anthony hopes to normalize discussions around chronic illnesses like plaque psoriasis and empower others to take control of their health.

“This is about setting an example,” she explained. “I want people to know they can live full lives—even with this condition.”

Effective Treatments for Plaque Psoriasis

Although there’s no cure for plaque psoriasis yet, there are several effective ways to manage its symptoms:

• Topical Treatments: Creams like corticosteroids or synthetic vitamin D (e.g., calcipotriol) are often recommended for mild cases. Newer steroid-free options like tapinarof (Vtama) are also gaining popularity.
• Phototherapy: UVB light therapy can reduce inflammation and slow down skin cell production.
• Biologic Therapies: These advanced treatments target specific proteins in the immune system responsible for inflammation. Examples include adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel).
• Oral Medications: Drugs like apremilast (Otezla) or cyclosporine are prescribed for moderate to severe cases.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Stress management techniques, regular moisturizing, avoiding triggers (like certain medications or injuries), and maintaining a balanced diet can help minimize flare-ups.

Anthony emphasizes that finding the right treatment is deeply personal—and often involves trial and error. “It’s not one-size-fits-all,” she said. “You have to work closely with your doctor to figure out what works best for you.”

Inspiring Others Through Her Story

By speaking out about her experience with plaque psoriasis, La La Anthony has become a source of hope for countless others living with the condition. Her message is simple yet powerful: you are more than your diagnosis.

Through her advocacy work and personal resilience, Anthony reminds us all that confidence and self-care go hand in hand when managing chronic conditions—and that no one should have to face them alone. Whether you’re battling plaque psoriasis or another health challenge, Anthony’s story is proof that you can live boldly while embracing every part of yourself.