Hiding behind makeup...

[AlexandraRH131512]

Hi I am 21 years old and I have a PWS on the left check on my face. It also somehow goes down my throat and into my stomach. When I was little I knew that I was different and I really never cared untill I started junior high. There was a new group of students that didn't know me and so they stared and it was the first time that I really felt bad about how I looked. So I started wearing makeup at a young age. I had 7 laser surgeries when I was a baby and all it has done is change the color so it looks more like a big bruise. I still wear makeup to this day. I know that people say I look pretty even without the makeup but for some reason I just feel they are saying it because they feel bad for me. I don't have any friends that have birthmarks as big as mine so they don't really understand what its like to feel the need to hid behind layers of makeup just to feel somewhat normal. I still wear makeup to this day but recently I have been dreading the morning because I know I have to get up and smear a ton of thick makeup over my face. The worst part about makeup is that I can't hug or kiss people because I would get makeup on the people I touch. Then on the other hand if I think about going out without makeup on I start to get nervous and just decide its better to deal with makeup than deal with awful questions from people. I think the worst assumption/question anyone has ever asked about my PWS is... Do your parents hit you? and this was asked to me when my mother was standing right beside me. I just want to be carefree again and not have to stress about my face in the mornings. Also I want to be able to feel normal and actually go one dates where I am not always thinking about how I look, is my makeup still in place?. I would love to hear from anyone who went through any similar situations and how they dealt with them.

[rhazzJL]

hi.. my name is razle and i have pws almost half of my body,exposing my left face and arms..you know what, i have similar situation that you do...(except wearing make up,you're lucky enough that you can still hide yours with make up,)...people are always asking me what happened to me..most especially those people who don't know me well..they will guess and say...did somebody hit you on a face?or were you burned? tsk,tsk....it can't deny the fact that its really hurt deep inside about those things tell off to me..but what i did is to smile and tried to explain a lil like..."it's inborn" and "its such a special birthmark"...somehow i can get over it by looking back about what the Good God gave to me...right now i am working as an elementary teacher...and through those kids i handled, i get refreshment of myself because of me i can transfer learning to them....(i had never been in surgery)and i thought right now after all those things i've been through...it is worthy enough to say "i'm strong!!"

[Juanita]

Hi Alexandra,

I am empathetic to your situation. I am in my 40's and have been wearing make up since I was 16. I was born with nevus of ota to the left side of my face from my temple to under my eye. It is mostly seen in Asians but I am not. It looks much like a black eye. Therefore, I wear make up every day that I leave the house. Like you, I would like to be able to go without the make up. I have had several laser treatments over the years which have helped. Currently, I am trying derma rolling. I'm not sure if its working after 4 treatments. I am looking into laser treatments again, that's how I found this site.

I have dated, married and have a adult daughter. Honestly, anyone true in your life will not see the area on your face. Over the years, I have had the insecurities, nothing from the people closest in my life. Of course, I've gone through the stares and questions when I was younger. But, with family I can be my true self without make up. I'm not sure what PWS is but if you can continue tx for your security do so.
Good luck!

[missmoss83]

Hi

I too sympathise with hiding under a thick layer of make up, having been doing so for the last 15 years. (I am 30 now).

I also have neavus of ota under my right eye, if I don't cover it, I look like I've been punched.

I think I cover it well, but it looks crap if I'm tired or hungover. Going on holiday or when it's hot, is particularly difficult- you start to sweat, the make up drips, it's just not nice. Last time I went on holiday, I just wiped it off, forgot I hadn't any make up on, went into a shop to buy something and the reaction of the girl behind the counter made me so upset. It cuts like a knife.

At least we are lucky enough to be able to use make up to cover our marks. As some aren't so lucky.

xx