“Skin is the passport to how people react to you,” Daniel Mukisa a business man says. Black, brown, white not every one is lucky to have the best skin, some are victims of skin defects. Skin conditions such as eczema can have very visible effects that can leave you feeling embarrassed and self-conscious. In addition to the physical symptoms, which can be very distressing, you may have to deal with problems such as anxiety, depression or loss of confidence. You may feel that people are looking at you when you go out, or even have to deal with curious questions and offensive comments. You can feel very alone through all this, especially if you don’t know anyone else who is dealing with the same condition. However, a growing movement online has helped many people to feel more positive about their skin, despite the effects of rashes, acne and other skin conditions. This article breaks down the common skin defects a loved one or one might be experiencing.
There are some body defects that people are self-conscious about but they occur naturally or they are born with them.
Although some people might see them as beautiful, others do not.
1. Stretch marks
Stretch marks appear as long, narrow streaks or stripes on parts of the body like the abdomen, breasts, hips, and so on. They are usually lighter than the skin colour and so noticeable. Extreme weight gain can lead to prominently red stretch marks with veins showing. Pregnancy and puberty can also cause stretch marks to appear. They aren't painful or cause health problems, but they can be an issue of embarrassment to people, most likely women, that have them.
2. Moles and beauty spot
Beauty spots and moles are little black growths on the skin. They can appear in different parts of the body. Moles refer to these growths that do not look good, while beauty spots are beautiful, but they are in fact the same thing. It all depends on the placement of the mole or the perspective of the person.
3. Freckles
Although it is not too common, African people can have freckles. These are dark spots on the face and body. For example American singer, SZA, both have freckles.
Some people take pictures on a Snapchat filter with freckles. It’s now a beauty filter. This is a positive living habit.
4. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin defect that causes white patches to appear on a black person's skin. In Buganda they say “balongo bakwokyeza” in direct translation that the twins have burnt u. This is a myth. The downside is that It cannot be cured. Michael Jackson had it and later bleached to bring uniformity.
5. Dark knuckles
Dark knuckles can be a reaction to certain creams and drugs, but dark knuckles can be gotten genetically and naturally and is not a reaction to bleaching.
Since these are natural body defects, it's helpful if people are not stigmatised for them.
However, there is also nothing wrong with trying to change them if you are not comfortable.
