Page last updated at 13:40 GMT, Thursday, 4 September 2008 14:40 UK

Rimes launches psoriasis campaign

LeAnn Rimes
Rimes is the youngest person to win a Grammy award

Country singer LeAnn Rimes has backed a US awareness campaign to inform people about the skin condition psoriasis, from which she suffers.

"Over the years I've had to deal with the emotional and physical toll psoriasis has had on my self-esteem and confidence," said the 26-year-old.

"I hope by joining this effort, others will be empowered to stop hiding and better manage their disease."

Psoriasis is a non-contagious disorder that causes itchy, red patches of skin.

The condition affects nearly seven million people in the US and about 2% of the population of the UK.


"Since the age of two I have battled my disease," said Rimes in a video on the Stop Hiding from Psoriasis website.

"Growing up with the condition was challenging, to say the least. At one point, 80% of my body was covered with psoriasis patches.

"I know first-hand how living with psoriasis is," she continues. "But now, more than ever, it's time to stop hiding and start living."

Winner of two Grammys, LeAnn Rimes is best known in the UK for her Top 10 singles How Do I Live and Can't Fight the Moonlight.

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