Selena Gomez: Lupus talk ‘still makes me a little uncomfortable’

Selena Gomez’s battle with lupus is ongoing, but the actress-singer is doing well — even though she’s not really comfortable talking about it.

“It has been overwhelming and the response has been very supportive, which is nice — but it still makes me a little uncomfortable,� the 23-year-old recently told Billboard.

“I waited for the right time to talk about it because I am in a great place and I’m very healthy. I’m not trying to be loud about it: It was time to use my platform to help,� she added.

The “Same Old Love� singer revealed her battle with the autoimmune disease in October, explaining that when she took a break and entered rehab in 2013, she was actually dealing with chemotherapy for lupus — not being rehabilitated for substance abuse, which had been widely rumored.

“I was diagnosed with lupus, and I’ve been through chemotherapy. That’s what my break was really about. I could’ve had a stroke,� the Disney Channel alum told Billboard a few months ago. “I wanted so badly to say, ‘You guys have no idea. I’m in chemotherapy. ... I locked myself away until I was confident and comfortable again.�

The “Revival� artist, who has been working in show business since age 7, said she resented those stories, and “the hate� motivated her new music.

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints or organs), according to the Lupus Foundation of America. The disease can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, including extreme fatigue, headaches, painful or swollen joints, fever, anemia, swelling, rashes and hair loss.

The foundation’s research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have the disease and more than 16,000 cases are reported each year nationwide.

While she may not be vocal about her struggle, Gomez has been hitting full stride as she promotes her new album. The singer made her Wild 94.9 Jingle Ball 2015 debut at the Oracle Arena in Oakland on Thursday and will appear in the CBS telecast of the 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show next week.

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