Selena Gomez’s openness about what disease does Selena Gomez have has helped millions of fans understand her struggles and triumphs. As of September 2025, Gomez continues to share updates on her health, reminding the public that even global stars face personal battles behind the spotlight.
Recently, the singer and actress revealed that her lupus, an autoimmune disease, has caused arthritis in her hands, affecting her daily life. This health challenge even influenced the design of her Rare Beauty packaging, making products easier to open for people dealing with dexterity issues. Her willingness to turn a struggle into a solution has earned her widespread praise.
Selena’s Lupus Diagnosis
Selena Gomez was first diagnosed with lupus more than a decade ago. Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and chronic pain. For Gomez, the disease has led to arthritis, kidney complications, and periods of extreme fatigue.
In 2017, her lupus reached a serious stage, requiring a kidney transplant. Her close friend Francia Raisa donated a kidney, a life-saving act that Gomez has spoken about publicly. Since then, she has been open about the challenges of recovery and the ongoing impact of lupus on her health.
Living With Lupus Today
The most recent update from Gomez highlights how lupus affects her daily life through arthritis. She described struggling to open bottles or manage fine motor tasks before beginning medication. This vulnerability inspired her to push for more accessible product packaging within Rare Beauty, making makeup tools and bottles easier for people with mobility issues.
Today, her lupus is reported to be in remission, meaning the disease is not actively damaging her body. However, symptoms such as arthritis remain part of her reality. Her ability to balance her health with a demanding career has become a source of inspiration for fans across the United States and beyond.
Other Health Conditions Selena Has Discussed
While lupus is the main condition linked to her health journey, Gomez has also spoken openly about other issues:
- Kidney transplant (2017): Needed due to lupus complications, showing the seriousness of her illness.
- Bipolar disorder (2020): She publicly shared her diagnosis, helping reduce stigma around mental health.
- Body image challenges: She has addressed fluctuations in weight caused by medication, speaking honestly about the emotional toll.
- Digestive condition (2024): She shared experiencing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), adding to her complex health picture.
Though these conditions play a role, lupus remains the answer to the question: what disease does Selena Gomez have.
Impact on Her Career
Despite her health battles, Gomez has not stepped away from her career. She continues to act in the hit series Only Murders in the Building and is working on new music. Her transparency has also shaped the identity of Rare Beauty, a brand now celebrated not only for its inclusive marketing but also for its practical, accessible packaging.
By sharing her story, she has turned personal health challenges into lessons in resilience and innovation.
At-a-Glance: Selena Gomez’s Health Journey
| Health Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Lupus | Autoimmune disease diagnosed around 2013 |
| Kidney Transplant | Surgery in 2017 due to lupus-related kidney failure |
| Arthritis | Caused by lupus; affects dexterity and inspired Rare Beauty packaging |
| Mental Health | Bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2020; managed with therapy and treatment |
| Digestive Condition | Shared SIBO diagnosis in 2024 |
| Current Status | Lupus in remission; arthritis symptoms continue |
Why Her Story Matters
Selena Gomez’s story is important because it shows the human side of chronic illness. For many Americans living with lupus or other autoimmune diseases, her openness provides visibility and comfort. Her ability to stay active in her career, advocate for mental health, and build a globally recognized beauty brand—all while managing a lifelong illness—offers hope to those facing similar struggles.
Her journey also sparks wider conversations about accessibility in everyday products, a topic often overlooked until someone with influence brings it into focus.
Conclusion
The answer to the question what disease does Selena Gomez have is lupus, an autoimmune condition that has shaped her health for over a decade. From arthritis and a kidney transplant to ongoing advocacy and innovation, Gomez continues to show resilience and honesty. Her openness has inspired millions, proving that living with a chronic illness does not define a person’s potential.
Her story continues to unfold, and fans will no doubt follow closely as she shares more insights into her journey. What are your thoughts on Selena’s openness about her health? Share them in the comments below.