 |
Amy ElsegoodA British woman with a large birthmark on her face was not afraid to post her photo online
Date of Birth: 01.01.1992
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- British Woman with Port-Wine Stain Embraces Her Difference
- Hiding and Unveiling
- Overwhelming Support and a Turning Point
- Facing Cruelty
- A Boy Who Changed Everything
- Self-Acceptance and a New Level of Confidence
- The Power of a Selfie
- Understanding Port-Wine Stains
British Woman with Port-Wine Stain Embraces Her Difference
Birth of a Distinctive MarkAmy Elgood, a 22-year-old British woman, was born with a prominent port-wine stain birthmark on her face. Despite undergoing laser surgery as a young girl to reduce its size, she has faced mockery throughout her life.
Hiding and Unveiling
From the age of eleven, Elgood relied on special makeup provided by the National Health Service (NHS) to conceal her birthmark. Feeling self-conscious, she applied makeup every time she left the house. However, a shift occurred when she realized, "You're born the way you are, and there's no point in being ashamed of that." She decided to post a makeup-free selfie online.
Overwhelming Support and a Turning Point
Elgood's Facebook post received an overwhelming response, with people from around the world showing their support and encouragement. She received over 600 likes and decided to discontinue her laser treatment. While acknowledging that laser therapy is more effective at a younger age, she believes her birthmark would be much redder without it.
Facing Cruelty
Elgood first experienced the unkindness of others at the age of four. She recalls children pointing at her, calling her "splat face" and "ugly." Even an older woman approached her during school holidays and commented that she would be pretty if it weren't for her birthmark. These encounters left her feeling deeply embarrassed and convinced that no one would ever accept her as she was.
A Boy Who Changed Everything
At the age of 16, Elgood met Josh, a boy from another school. She initially hid her birthmark with makeup around him but eventually felt the need to reveal it. "I arranged to meet him in person without it on. I said, 'This is what I actually look like,' and he was like, 'It doesn't matter to me.' We've been together six years now."
Self-Acceptance and a New Level of Confidence
Despite Josh's acceptance, it took time for Elgood to gain enough self-confidence to go out without makeup. It was only after posting her photo online that her attitude towards herself changed significantly. She realized that her actions could inspire others who, like her, had long erroneously believed that a birthmark defined their worthiness and treatment.
The Power of a Selfie
Elgood's decision to share her unedited selfie has had a profound impact, not only on herself but on countless others. She has sparked an online movement of people posting makeup-free photos, which has raised over £8 million for Cancer Research UK. Celebrities such as Michelle Keegan, Holly Willoughby, Kym Marsh, and Helen Flanagan have participated in the campaign.
Understanding Port-Wine Stains
Red or purple birthmarks, often found on the face, are caused by abnormal blood vessels. They are typically present at birth. According to one source, about three out of every 1,000 infants are born with port-wine stains, which are not inherited. The size of the birthmarks varies, and they usually darken over the years if left untreated. Various treatments, including laser and light therapy, are available to reduce the redness.
