Seal's Lupus Diagnosis Explained

Seal's silky smooth voice and sensual style made the music artist a household name throughout the '90s and early 2000s. However, the singer also stands out in a sea of perfect faces for the scars he wears on his own. 

Self-consciousness about his scars could have prevented the star from pursuing his passion for music and appearing on stage in front of millions of people. He chose to see beyond the surface and embrace his individuality, telling Yahoo Lifestyle, "I quickly realized this body is not who we are. I got off lightly."

According to the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, the scars on Seal's face come from a form of lupus called discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). DLE causes sores that can leave deep scars when healed, usually appearing on the head and scalp. Seal developed DLE as a teenager, and he has lived with it since. The Lupus Foundation of America says there is currently no cure for the medical condition.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack itself in healthy tissues throughout the body. A skin rash characterizes lupus, often developing on the face. The facial markings of the rash were thought to resemble a wolf's markings, earning it the name "lupus," meaning wolf in Latin.

Seal's type of lupus is called localized discoid lupus erythematosus, which affects the nose, cheeks, and scalp (via FindaTopDoc.com). Like Seal, patients with this kind of lupus are often bald. People with lupus may also experience crushing fatigue, recurrent skin rashes, joint pain, blood disorders, and in extreme cases, kidney failure or lung and heart inflammation. Seal has fortunately been able to keep the condition in remission for years. 

Eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can help those living with lupus enjoy a full and healthy life.

Seal maintains a positive outlook regarding his experience with lupus, telling Yahoo Lifestyle he is "grateful" as he continues to connect with audiences worldwide. "It isn't by chance that I just have a voice to sing that touches people," he told the publication. "I believe that my purpose is communication. That is a blessing."