Diamond Club

Click to play our newest game, solitaire!

Spade Heart

What Are the Scars on Seal's Face From?

Singer Seal
Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Seal, a well-known pop singer and songwriter, is the perfect example of a person who proves he can succeed in life in spite of ailments. Throughout his life, Seal has battled a disease that left him marked with noticeable facial scars.

Seal's Ailment

Seal singing on stage
Sean Gallup/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

In his childhood, Seal was afflicted with a disease called discoid lupus erythematosus.

Effects

Singer Seal performing on stage in Los Angeles.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The disease left Seal with half-moon scars on his face and hair loss. Though it embarrassed and depressed him, Seal says he learned to live with it and later considered it as a kind of omen for stardom.

What is Discoid Lupus Erythematosus?

Singer Seal and stage lighting
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Discoid lupus erythematosus affects only the skin and is caused by an autoimmune disease. Primarily this happens when the body’s tissues are attacked by its own immune system.

Potential Complications

When other organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system are affected by this disease, it is called systemic lupus erythematosus and it can be very serious. It affects women more and can even lead to pregnancy complications.

Treatment

Woman resting in tub
Design Pics/Design Pics/Getty Images

Treatment varies according to signs and symptoms, and includes staying out of the sun, cortizone medicine, malaria medicine and medications for a malfunctioning immune system. The road to recovery should also include avoiding stress, as well as plenty of rest and relaxation.

Our Passtimes