Most people are ashamed of their physical features, especially as they age.
Most eventually gain confidence and learn to accept their imperfections.
Some people are lucky enough to outgrow them completely. But birthmarks usually stay with us for a long time. Unfortunately, one woman received harsh comments on photos of her newborn daughter who had a port wine stain.
Having a distinct birthmark at birth
Australian Marianna Bowering gave birth to a stunning baby girl. But young Angelica was born with a birthmark called a Port Wine Stain and, surprisingly, she also experienced some bullying because of it.
Unfortunately, both in person and online, Angelica’s birthmark receives a lot of negative attention. “I think the most hurtful thing that happened to me personally was when someone told me they had a ‘blemish’ at a football game,” Marianna revealed in a heartbreaking fashion. “He just told me that before he left. I was surprised.” People online called her “terrible” and “she’ll never have a boyfriend in her life.” Marianna also revealed: “Requesting if her face was put on a pan was the worst online comment I’ve ever received.
Basically making her face look grilled.
Accepting your birthmark
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Angela’s parents, on the other hand, see the birthmark as “a unique addition to her beauty that should be celebrated.” “I would never hide my little girl for that, I think she’s absolutely amazing,” Bowering said. “When people tell me she can cover it up with makeup when she’s older, that’s what I hate the most. Why would she want to hide it? She can show it if she chooses to.”
Despite her birthmark, Angelica was always encouraged by her entire family to hug. Occasionally also a painting that has the shape of a heart or highlights it with body glitter.
Interestingly, her mother Marianna is so devoted to her daughter that she serves as an “ambassador for the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation.” “It pains me to think of someone being cruel to her,” she explained. But now when I see her, I see how confident and fearless she is as a little child.”
In conclusion: “I have no doubt that she will overcome every challenge that life throws her way. Her birthmark is not all that she is. She is no different than anyone else, she is her own person.”
Associated symptoms
A birthmark is usually nothing to worry about, although it may darken over time.
However, a largely harmless birthmark can indicate other relevant health problems. Birthmarks that show a port wine stain are usually associated with vascular diseases or syndromes that affect the blood vessels.
High blood pressure, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and carotid artery disease are a few examples. A birthmark is often accompanied by Sturge-Weber syndrome and glaucoma. Angelica’s health is “Fortunately we have done tests and Angelica is completely healthy,” said Marianna. “We just need regular checks, especially her eyes, as glaucoma can be a problem.”
Interestingly, the birthmark affects all demographics and is a fairly common condition, occurring in three out of a thousand newborns. Although there is currently no known way to prevent it, medication can cause it to gradually subside. However, some people think they don’t need to seek help.
How to treat a port wine stain
“Pulsed laser” is the most popular method of treating port wine stains and rosacea. According to Dr. Gregory Levitin, “This will gradually lighten the skin over several treatments, and in some cases, the spot may disappear temporarily.” But eventually, they will come back often. “In about 10 to 15% of cases, the skin not only darkens but thickens and enlarges, causing soft tissue changes,” Levitin said. For those who cannot rely on their birthmarks, he also recommends reconstructive surgery. This will help the skin look “normal” again by restoring its contours and evening out its tone.
For these individuals, he suggests reconstructive surgery to return the skin to its typical size, shape, and appearance.
Still, Angelica’s family supported her in her pursuit of happiness, and ultimately we should all focus on our physical flaws and accept them and love ourselves in spite of them. After all, accepting scars like stretch marks and birthmarks will make life less stressful.
In conclusion, Angelica’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the love of those who support us, regardless of our physical differences. Despite the hurtful comments and bullying, she faced because of her Port Wine Stain birthmark, her family always encouraged her to embrace her uniqueness and see it as a beautiful part of who she is. Angelica’s parents, especially her mother Marianna, worked tirelessly to instill in her the confidence to be herself and to proudly show her birthmark instead of hiding it.
While it’s natural to face challenges and criticism in life, especially when it comes to appearance, Angelica’s journey highlights how love, encouragement, and self-empowerment can overcome society’s judgments. As her mother wisely stated, her birthmark does not define her.
It’s just a small part of who she is and she will continue to grow into a strong and confident individual. The support of her family combined with her own resilience ensures that she faces every challenge life presents with courage and grace. Accepting your physical imperfections and learning to love yourself is essential, and Angelica’s story is a beautiful example of this journey.