Suing Old Navy is the least of her worries — Kim K might have to end her modeling career early due to her damaging skin disease!

Kim Kardashian’s plate has been overwhelmingly full with the stress of having to plan her upcoming wedding to Kris Humphries.  But now, the 30-year-old socialite is experiencing first-hand the symptoms of wedding-related-stress: a skin disease called psoriasis.  Although the disease is not life-threatening, it could prove to be career-ending for Kim.  We spoke to a cosmetic dermatologist about her condition, what causes it, and how she can work on curing it.

“[Psoriasis] occurs in 1 to 3 percent of the population, it’s fairly common,” New York City based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel reveals.  “It’s a condition where there’s an an increase accumulation of dead skin cells that cause inflammation and a silvery scale. It’s very common in certain areas: elbows, knees, in your groin area, and often on the buttock.”

Dermatologist Dr. Bruce Katz states that “a trigger for psoriasis could be to a throat infection, skin injury, extended time in the sun, [and] certain drugs or alcohol.”  However, the most attributable cause, he says, is “physical or emotional stress,” which is no doubt what Kim is suffering the most from having to plan her wedding.

The disease is also genetic and can be passed down by an older generation, which in Kim’s case is her mother, Kris Jenner.  “It has been known for psoriasis to be a condition within the family,” Dr. Katz says.

Although the disease is permanent, it is treatable.  “To treat, people will use steroid creams or a laser treatment named ‘x track,’” Dr. Katz suggests.  But one of the easiest, most effective ways to treat the disease is by using a light box.  “[Light boxes] use UVA or UVB light waves and the light is administered for a prescribed amount of time.”  Dr. Sobel recommends that Kim also use steroid injections.  “[They] make them go away in a few days.”

But will this skin disease ruin Kim’s career?  “Kim should be fine,” Dr. Sobel believes.  “But she shouldn’t let it get out of hand. When she gets a few patches she should maybe go into a light box or go to the doctor.”

Do you HollywoodLifers think Kim’s career is ruined with the outbreak of psoriasis?

– Michael Emer with reporting by Chloe Melas and Paris Grimmond

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