The Family With 'Piebald' Skin | BORN DIFFERENT

A FAMILY with the same rare skin condition spanning four generations embrace their unique appearances together. When six-year-old Samuel, from Brazil, was born with the rare skin condition Piebaldism, his mother Nivianei recognised its distinctive white patches all too well. Samuel’s family have seen the same “special markings” in their family for four generations - with his great grandfather being the first known case in the family tree. Piebaldism is a genetic condition that causes severe depigmentation of the skin, commonly present across the forehead, body and scalp. It can also cause patches of white hair and increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Growing up, Nivianei was bullied for her appearance and struggled to feel confident in her skin. Despite facing hardship herself, Nivianei says that Samuel’s experience with his peers has been much more positive. “Kids with his age treat him normally. They ask questions and want to know more. Find it beautiful. Touch him. Knowing that he is alright is really rewarding for me,” she says. Samuel was scouted just last year, after his uncle posted photographs of him online. He has since hit the children’s modelling world by storm, featuring in various magazines, campaigns and runway shows internationally.