Seal Speaks Out on «Traumatizing» Scars on His Face and Their Origins

The renowned British singer-songwriter Seal has been celebrated for his smooth voice and captivating melodies, as well as the distinctive scars adorning his face. These scars, now synonymous with his music, have sparked numerous discussions and conjectures. Today, we reveal the genuine narrative behind these «traumatizing» marks of distinction.

It started when he was 21 years old.

Recently, Seal, the celebrated British singer-songwriter, has opened up about the profoundly personal tale behind the scars that have become a distinctive feature of his appearance. During a candid interview, Seal disclosed that the scars on his face stem from a condition known as discoid lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disorder impacting the skin. «I remember, my 21st birthday, I remember sitting on a wall, and a small spot started on one side of my face, and then it kind of got progressively worse. It actually turned out to be a discoid lupus,» he revealed.

There was initially a lack of diagnosis.

«I remember going to see doctors, and no one knew what it was,» Seal recounted his struggle to obtain a diagnosis for his facial scars. «This went on for ages. It wasn’t until fame and fortune found me that I was able to see a top specialist who finally diagnosed me with lupus.»

The scars had a significant impact on his confidence, but not anymore.

In a candid conversation about his scars, Seal disclosed, «Oh, it shattered my confidence,» he confessed. Yet, with the wisdom of time, Seal now reflects, «But if you were to say, now at the age of 60, how would I change anything... if I could,» he said with a pause, «not a thing.» This acknowledgment underscores a profound personal evolution, where the scars have evolved from sources of insecurity to integral elements of his narrative.

In another review, he candidly shared that he was initially self-conscious about his scars, «but then I quickly realized this body is not who we are. I got off lightly.»

«Something that had kind of been initially traumatizing turned out to be something that has made me instantly recognizable,» he shares.

Seal also has a background marked by panic attacks and anxiety.

Alongside his struggle with facial scars resulting from discoid lupus erythematosus, Seal has confronted anxiety and panic attacks for almost thirty years. His first major panic attack struck him in a recording studio, an event he vividly remembers. «I was rushed to the hospital, and I was convinced that I was dying, having a heart attack,» he recounts.

He portrays panic attacks as profoundly disruptive, and the apprehension of experiencing another one as burdensome and isolating. «It’s cold, lonely, and dark,» he reflects.

Nevertheless, Seal’s challenges have cultivated empathy within him.

«It’s given me such empathy and understanding for people who can’t get help,» Seal adds. He emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma, «There is no shame... there is no guilt in asking for help and talking about it, whether it’s therapy or it’s a friend. It needs to be shared.»

In handling his anxiety, Seal has discovered exercise as a potent resource. «Mental health and exercise go hand-in-hand,» he asserts, recognizing the hurdles faced by those combating depression. Additionally, meditation has proven immensely beneficial. «It’s been huge for me,» he adds.

Despite the obstacles, Seal expresses appreciation for his journey. «I’m not sitting here crying about my lupus or anxiety. It isn’t by chance that I just have a voice to sing that touches people. I believe that my purpose is communication. That is a blessing.»

Seal’s choice to openly discuss his «traumatizing» scars imparts a significant lesson in resilience, authenticity, and self-empowerment. Through his graceful and candid sharing, he encourages us to see beyond surface-level appearances and embrace the richness of individuality. As we honor Seal’s courage and fortitude, let us also use this moment to examine our own concepts of beauty and draw inspiration from the remarkable path of self-discovery that unites us all.

For another uplifting story of resilience, delve into singer Selena Gomez’s journey grappling with lupus and undergoing a kidney transplant.