// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
'My skin makes me unique and I'm learning to embrace it'
Laura Kelly, 28, was born with congenital melanocytic naevus (CMN) and says birth marks cover 98% of her body
A woman born with a rare genetic skin condition that covers 98% of her body in birthmarks has spoken of how she is learning to embrace her appearance after years of trying to hide it.
Laura Kelly, 28, was born with congenital melanocytic naevus (CMN) and underwent 14 operations as a baby, with doctors fearing she may not live beyond the age of eight.
Laura said CMN made her self conscious about how strangers might react and that, growing up as a teenager, she often wore heavy makeup and planned outfits to cover her skin.
She said embracing how she looks and raising awareness of CMN has given her more confidence and hopes sharing her story will help others with a visible difference.
Congenital melanocytic naevus (CMN) is a type of birthmark or mole that is usually present at birth. It is caused by an increased number of pigment-producing cells in the skin, although some CMN may appear during the first year or two of life.
CMN is caused by a genetic change in a single cell while a baby is developing during pregnancy. It is not inherited from parents and can happen to anyone.
Small CMN are relatively common, affecting about one in 100 new-born babies. Larger or more widespread CMN are much rarer, occurring in about one in 10,000 to 20,000 births. In the UK, about 7,000 babies are estimated to be born with some form of CMN each year.
People with larger or multiple CMN may develop more birthmarks after birth, particularly during their first few years. The number that appear varies from person to person, and their pattern of development can help doctors understand how the condition may progress.
First reported by Derry Now, external, Laura said doctors were astonished when she was born with the condition in 1998.