SEAL'S STORY
Image description: A close-up portrait photograph of Seal, looking towards to camera. There is text on the image. It reads, 'Seal: singer, DLE (Discoid Lupus Erythematosus). Scars remind us that we can heal...'.
"SCARS REMIND US THAT WE CAN HEAL"
Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel is better known as the platinum singing artist SEAL.
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Many of you, might have made the same assumption I have been making for years about Seal's scars. I had assumed that his facial scars were a symbol of his West African culture. Scars or facial marks can be used to identify ethnic groups, families, and individuals. Also to express beauty; his rank in society, family, clan, and tribe, and symbolize a degree of strength (Now all this still might be true).
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Nevertheless, in my research, I found out how Seal really got his scars. SEAL'S scars are a result of a type of lupus called Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) – a condition that specifically affects the skin above the neck. DLE is a form of lupus that usually affects young people. Intense inflammation develops in the skin, particularly in sun-exposed areas. If not treated aggressively with sun protection and anti-inflammatory medicines, 'Seal-style' scarring can result.
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Seal has revealed in interviews that he was afflicted with this syndrome as a teen. Not only did DLE cause Seal’s cheek scars, but he had significant scalp involvement, causing hair loss. Thankfully, the singer’s condition has been in remission for years, though his scars remain.
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However, there is something that can be said, about the way Seal carries himself. The scars don't always appear as noticeable, but an inner beauty or 'soul' does.
It reminds me that we are more than our illness, condition, DISABILITY, or diagnosis. Also how our perspective on the world/people is affected by numerous assumptions.
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