Autoimmune disease lupus, although more common in women, plagues men as well. Like many ordinary people, celebrities have battled with this condition.

As we observe World Lupus Day, let us take a look at some experiences celebrities have had with the condition, with some proving it is more than possible to live a normal life with lupus.

Michael Jackson

The late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, not only suffered from vitiligo, but lupus as well. The Billie Jean singer fell victim to discoid lupus or chronic cutaneous lupus. This is a type of lupus that affects the skin, causing round sores either on the face or scalp, as well as scarring around the face and ears.

Jackson, who was extremely private with his personal life, did not disclose his battle with the condition. However, after his death, his dermatologist, Dr Arnie Klein, who joined Larry King on CNN, confirmed his condition, noting that autopsy reports showed he had lupus. In addition to that, Klein shared he had some symptoms including, a “butterfly rash and he also had severe crusting you could see on the anterior portion of his scalp”.

Toni Braxton

American singer and songwriter Toni Braxton, was diagnosed with systemic lupus. Doctors informed her that she would need a heart transplant if she wished to perform again. However, Braxton defied the odds and, since then, has been doing quite well.

The Grammy Award winner shared in a 2015 interview that, on some days it is very challenging and she found it difficult to balance.

“Some days I can’t balance it all. I just have to lay in bed. Pretty much when you have lupus you feel like you have the flu every day. But some days you get through it. But for me, if I’m not feeling well, I tend to tell my kids, ‘Oh mommy’s just going to relax in bed today.’ I kind of take it easy,” Braxton explained.

Braxton vowed that she would not allow her condition to force her to cancel a show.

““Even if I can’t perform, I still figure it out. Sometimes I look back [at] that evening [and] I go, ‘How did I get through that?’”

The Unbreak My Heart hitmaker to date continues to be regularly monitored.

Nick Cannon

Cannon, who was diagnosed in 2012, admitted how scared he was in a 2016 interview when he first started experiencing symptoms.

“It was super scary just because you don’t know… you’ve never heard of [lupus]. I knew nothing about it until I was diagnosed… . But to me, I’m healthier now than I’ve ever been before,” he shared,

The actor and daytime talk show host, who first experienced blood clots in his lung and kidney failure, shared how important it is to diet and ensure other measures are taken to ward off flare-ups.

The rapper and producer shared that once it is realised that the condition is liveable, it is possible to overcome it with a particular lifestyle and strong support system.

Selena Gomez

Gomez caused quite a stir when she took herself out of the spotlight for a while, leading many to believe to she had gone into rehab for drug related issues. However, the singer had been diagnosed with lupus, which caused her to cancel tours and divert from her normal routine.

Gomez shared her news with the world via an Instagram post.

“So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering. It was what I needed to do for my overall health. I honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon my journey through these past several months as I have always wanted to do with you. Until then I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to and post-surgery,” the star wrote.

Gomez who received her kidney from friend, Francia Raisa, instructed those wanting to know more about lupus to visit the Lupus Research Alliance website.

“For more information regarding Lupus please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website: www.lupusresearch.org/ -by grace through faith.”