What Happened To Seal’s Face And Head

The prominent scars on British singer-songwriter Seal’s face are the result of a type of lupus called discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE).

DLE is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes inflammation and scarring, typically on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and scalp.

In a candid interview, Seal revealed that the scarring started when he was 21 years old. “I remember, my 21st birthday, I remember sitting on a wall, and a small spot started on one side of my face, and then it kind of got progressively worse. It turned out to be a discoid lupus,” he shared.

DLE lesions develop as round, raised, inflamed growths with a scaly, crusty, warty-like appearance. The center areas may appear lighter in color with a darker rim.

Permanent scarring can generally be prevented by early treatment with topical steroids, sunscreen, and oral medications like hydroxychloroquine if needed.

Lack of Early Diagnosis and Impact on Confidence

Seal struggled to get a proper diagnosis for his facial scars in the beginning. “I remember going to see doctors, and no one knew what it was.

This went on for ages. It wasn’t until fame and fortune found me that I was able to see a top specialist who finally diagnosed me with lupus,” he said.

The scars had a significant impact on Seal’s confidence in his youth. “Oh, it shattered my confidence,” he admitted. However, with years of perspective, Seal now accepts his scars as part of his story rather than something to hide.

“If you were to say, now at the age of 60, how would I change anything…if I could, not a thing,” he shared. Seal also candidly expressed that he was initially self-conscious about his scars, “but then I quickly realized this body is not who we are. I got off lightly.”

Scars Became Part of Seal’s Iconic Look

Over time, Seal’s scars became an iconic part of his appearance. “Something that had kind of been initially traumatizing turned out to be something that has made me instantly recognizable,” he shares.

Seal’s openness about his condition has helped break the stigma surrounding lupus and facial scarring. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and talking about mental health struggles.

“There is no shame… there is no guilt in asking for help and talking about it, whether it’s therapy or it’s a friend. It needs to be shared,” he states.

Seal’s Lupus and Hair Loss

If Seal’s lupus had not gone into remission when he was younger, he would have suffered from hair loss as well. DLE can cause significant scalp involvement, leading to patchy hair loss in some cases.

Seal’s condition has been in remission for years, though his scars remain. Only a small percentage, around 5%, of people with DLE will develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can affect other organs in addition to the skin.

Causes and Risk Factors of Lupus

The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but it appears to be triggered by a combination of factors, including viruses, environmental chemicals, and genetic makeup.

Female hormones also play a role, as lupus affects women much more often than men, especially during their reproductive years.

Having a close relative with lupus increases the risk, but only about 10% of people with lupus have a family member with the disease. Lupus affects approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S., with women of color being disproportionately affected.

Seal’s Successful Music Career and Personal Life

Despite his struggles with lupus and anxiety, Seal has achieved tremendous success in his music career. He has sold over 20 million records worldwide and won multiple awards, including three Brit Awards, four Grammy Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award.

Some of Seal’s biggest hits include “Crazy,” “Kiss from a Rose,” and “Killer,” the latter of which earned him an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1990.

In his personal life, Seal was married to German model Heidi Klum from 2005 to 2014, and they have four children together. Although their marriage ended in divorce, they remain close friends and co-parents.

Conclusion

Seal’s openness about his struggles with lupus and the scars it left on his face serves as an inspiration to those facing similar challenges.

By embracing his unique appearance and using his platform to raise awareness about mental health and autoimmune disorders, Seal has shown the power of resilience and self-acceptance.

His remarkable journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of finding purpose in the face of adversity.

References

https://brightside.me/articles/seal-opens-up-about-traumatizing-scars-on-his-face-and-what-caused-them-818245/
https://www.smoothradio.com/news/music/seal-singer-scars-name-wife-children/
https://blackdoctor.org/pop-star-seal-face-scars-and-lupus/
https://wegotthiscovered.com/news/what-happened-to-seals-face-his-facial-scars-explained/

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