Singer and songwriter Seal is instantly recognizable by the distinctive scars that mark his face. With his soulful voice gracing hits like “Kiss from a Rose” and “Crazy,” Seal has managed to achieve incredible musical success while being visually set apart by prominent scarring. But the cause behind these marks has long been shrouded in mystery and speculation.

Seal’s Distinctive Facial Scarring

Seal’s facial scars are impossible to overlook. The raised, pockmarked wounds encompass most of the skin on both cheeks along with his forehead. These scars give Seal’s face a texture almost resembling melted wax.

Over the years, the striking facial scars have become Seal’s trademark visual feature. As he once told Oprah Winfrey, “My scars are my trademarks.” Though the skin damage from his illness will always be visible, Seal radiates a confidence and refusal to hide that has inspired many fans.

Theories About the Origins of Seal’s Scars

Though today the cause behind Seal’s scars is known, the musician guarded the truth for decades. As his fame rose, the press and public speculated about the origins of Seal’s eye-catching facial scars:

• Some suggested the scarring was related to lupus or vitiligo – skin conditions that can cause changes in pigmentation and texture
• Other theorized Seal had endured an acid attack at some point
• Some felt the scars were self-inflicted – that Seal gave himself these battle scars as part of his identity

Seal would remain tight-lipped about the real cause, preferring the scars to speak for themselves. But in 1992 he finally opened up about the pain that had marked him so visibly.

Seal’s Childhood Battle with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

In a fiery 1992 interview, Seal explained that his scars are not the result of a self-inflicted act. They stem from the deeply painful autoimmune condition discoid lupus erythematosus he battled as a child.

What is Discoid Lupus Erythematosus?

Discoid lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition causing inflammatory sores and scarring on the face, scalp and ears. The disk-shaped sores often lead to permanent scarring and hair loss for patients. Seal endured symptoms starting as a teenager. The impacts were not just physical but emotional as well.

“One day, I was going to school and during assembly had a teacher who would call me to the front of the class and she would mock my appearance to the class. That happened every single day…The threats, the beatings, everything escalated because of how I looked. I was scarred.” – Seal discussing his childhood battles.

Though the exact causes are unknown, there are treatments to help manage discoid lupus’ symptoms. Many patients face flares of scarring and redness, while some experience fading scars over time.

For Seal though, the damage had been done leaving the facial scars that mark him today. The singer does not see this as something he should hide but rather a part of his identity.

Living with Discoid Lupus

Discoid lupus erythematosus differs from the more severe systemic form of lupus that impacts organs and the whole body. But Seal still contended with many burdensome symptoms:

• Painful sores leaving permanent pocked scarring on the skin
• Severe swelling, redness, and scaling of affected areas like the cheeks
• Patchy hair loss and damaged follicles
• Photosensitivity exacerbating symptoms when in sunlight
• Possible eye issues and vision damage

Discoid lupus outbreaks can be triggered by sun exposure, stress, or infections – making flare-ups unpredictable. The condition required Seal to take immunosuppressant medications as a teenager which impacted his health in other ways as well.

Rising to Fame with His Scars

Though the scarring took a toll during his youth, Seal ultimately rose to become an internationally celebrated musician known for singles like “Kiss from a Rose” and “Crazy.” While the skin on his face tells of earlier suffering, Seal radiates confidence stating.

He refuses to hide the marks from the public eye or undergo cosmetic surgery to minimize the scarring despite opportunities to do so. Seal sees the scars as central to his identity – and wants to inspire others embrace the things that make them stand out.

Seal by the Numbers

• 4 American Music Awards
• 3 Grammy Awards
• Over 20 million albums sold worldwide

Conclusion

The mystery around Seal’s unforgettable facial scars has been solved. The distinctive damage stems from discoid lupus erythematosus – a chronic autoimmune disorder the musician battled growing up. While the skin condition left Seal visibly scarred, he emerged to become a globally celebrated performer known for singles like “Crazy” and “Kiss from a Rose” during his decades long career.

Seal does not hide from the public eye and has embraced his scars as part of his identity – a visual reminder of past suffering. After facing cruelty in his youth for his damaged skin, Seal makes a statement each time he steps on stage, scars on full display. He shows that no matter physical appearances or past troubles, confidence and talent will always shine through brightest.

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