I remember sitting in health class as a 6th grader and minding my own business when this boy sitting next to me started making a scene. He started pointing at my spots and saying that I didn’t take showers and that my spots were dirt. After that day, I was so self conscious about my skin that I’d wear long sleeves, even in summer. And it didn’t get better as I got older.
Not only do I have spots but I also have little bumps, tumors, growing on my arms and legs and simply going to the grocery store gets me looks and even people yelling at me to go away because they didn’t want to “catch” what I had. That does a number on a kid’s confidence.
People often wonder why I am wearing long sleeves or just cover up with baggy clothes. And it’s because body image is so important to so many people out there, and there are so many products that are advertised that are supposed to help with your skin. Unfortunately, for me, it doesn’t work like that.
Neurofibematosis 1, is a neurological disorder that affects all the areas of the human body. Tumors can grow which can cause a whole lot of complications. It affects people differently and it’s 50/50% no matter if it’s genetic or spontaneous.
With neurofibromatosis or NF1, you have sensitive skin, among so many other problems. I can’t use lotions, skin care products, or anything at all that is scented so my options are very limited and I can’t just “hide” my spots. What I learned over the years is that it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside. Especially when it comes to things that you can’t control, and anyone that judges you on looks probably is projecting.
Despite all the name calling and bullying for things completely out of my control, I eventually realized that I am who I am and even though I have health problems, I am unique and that is what matters.
