The paediatric nurse revealed how she’s conquered years of bullying due to her rare condition
Kate as a child(Image: Jam Press)
Kate Markham was born with a rare skin condition that has made her a target for bullies and online trolls since she began secondary school. Now, the paediatric nurse is using her platform to raise awareness about the condition.
The 21-year-old was born with Cutis verticis gyrata, an exceptionally uncommon condition that causes the skin, typically on the scalp or forehead, to develop folds or ridges. She said: “It’s definitely shaped me as a person.
“It’s helped me build strong friendships with people who genuinely accept me for who I am. It’s also given me a thick skin and confidence in speaking to people and explaining my condition.”
Kate has learnt how to take on the stares and questions with confidence(Image: Jam Press / Kate)
As a newborn, medics were initially puzzled by her condition as they sought a diagnosis, even suggesting she may have sustained brain damage, as the folds in her skin were more pronounced and visible before she grew hair.
An MRI scan revealed her true diagnosis. She said: “Doctors explained that it’s a rare condition where the skin forms folds, and that it wasn’t harmful to my health. As I grew up I started asking more questions as my curiosity grew and my parents were always very open about it.
“They explained that it was something I was born with, that it was rare, and that it didn’t define me.” She told creatorzine.com: “A lot of people assume there’s a dramatic story behind it like I’ve been in an accident or had an injury.
“But there isn’t – it’s simply a condition I was born with. I’ve had comments like ‘that’s ugly,’ ‘shave it off’, or ‘just get surgery’.”
Growing up, Kate had weighed up the various options medical professionals suggested to potentially alter her appearance, including surgery, Botox and microblading. Ultimately, however, she chose to reject these and embrace her own distinctive look instead.
She added: “I’m happy as I am, and I don’t feel the need to change for anyone.”
Kate previously used her hair to try hide the signs of her condition(Image: Jam Press / Kate)
Secondary school was when Kate began to notice society’s reaction to her appearance: “It was probably the hardest time as people could be quite unkind without thinking about how it affected me. In primary school, everyone had grown up with me, so no one really questioned it as much or as directly.
“But starting a new school, meeting new people, especially older students, I began to notice the looks and the questions more, and that’s when I realised I was more different.”
Kate attempted to conceal her differences in a number of ways and developed a passion for horse riding because of it: “When I had my hat on, I felt like everyone else and it was a safe space where I was judged on my ability, not my appearance.
“As I got older, I experimented with hairstyles, like having a fringe, to draw less attention to my eyebrows. But over time, I’ve grown out of that. Right now, I feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin than I ever have.”
Kate Markham was born with a very rare disorder(Image: Jam Press / Kate)
Kate ultimately turned to cognitive behavioural therapy, which provided her with the tools and coping mechanisms she continues to rely on today, channelling her feelings into her artwork. In recent years, a surge of social media attention helped transform her outlook, despite facing trolling online.
Kate said: “Being unique feels special to me now, and I’m more confident than ever, even wearing my fringe back when I never would have before.
“My family have always been incredibly supportive. They listened to me, reassured me, and helped me through difficult moments.”
