I’m 80% Covered In Birthmarks: The Extraordinary Journey of Beatriz Pugliese

Born Different, Born Strong

From the very first moments of her life, Beatriz Pugliese stood out from the crowd. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, she was covered in a giant congenital melanocytic nevus—a rare birthmark that blanketed over 80% of her skin. This condition is so rare it affects just one in every 500,000 people. For Beatriz, it meant a childhood filled with medical procedures, stares from strangers, and a lifelong lesson in resilience.

A Childhood of Surgeries and Strength

At only six months old, Beatriz began a journey that would shape her spirit. Doctors warned that her birthmarks carried a high risk of skin cancer, so she underwent more than 30 surgeries throughout her childhood. Each operation aimed to remove portions of her nevus and graft healthy skin, mostly taken from her legs, onto the affected areas.

But the process was exhausting—physically and emotionally. As Beatriz grew older, she realized that constantly chasing “normal” was holding her back from truly living. She made a bold decision: to stop the treatments and embrace the skin she was born with.

Facing Bullying With Positivity

School was not always easy. Children can be cruel, and Beatriz was often the target of bullying because of her appearance. Yet, her family refused to let her hide. They encouraged her to wear shorts and dresses, to show her birthmarks with pride, and to never be ashamed of who she was.

“I’ve always had a positive attitude,” Beatriz says. “My family taught me to embrace my birthmarks, not cover them up.”

Her courage and confidence became her shield, helping her rise above the teasing and stares. She learned that her beauty was not defined by smooth, unblemished skin—but by her kindness, intelligence, and strength.

Finding Love Beyond Skin Deep

Amidst the challenges, life had a beautiful surprise for Beatriz. During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, she met Fellipe. He saw past her skin condition, drawn to her vibrant personality and resilient spirit. Six years later, they married, proving that love truly sees beyond the surface.

Becoming a Role Model and Community Leader

Today, Beatriz is a successful biologist, passionate about science and life. She attends yearly meetups with others who have nevus birthmarks, sharing her story and inspiring those who feel alone in their struggles. Her openness and positivity have made her a role model for countless others with similar conditions.

Recently, Beatriz met with the founder of a local congenital nevus support group, hoping to give advice and encouragement to the founder’s daughter, Taina, who also lives with the same rare condition. Beatriz’s message is simple but powerful: “Don’t let your skin define your happiness. Embrace who you are, and the world will embrace you back.”

A Message of Hope and Acceptance

Beatriz’s journey is not just about surviving a rare medical condition—it’s about thriving in spite of it. She teaches us that beauty comes in many forms, and that confidence can transform even the hardest circumstances into opportunities for growth and connection.

Her story, featured in “SHAKE MY BEAUTY,” reminds us all: No matter how different we may seem, self-acceptance and positivity can light the way for others.

Would you have the courage to embrace your differences like Beatriz? Share your thoughts below—and let her story inspire you to love the skin you’re in.