Birthmark

Congenital melanocytic naevus

Published: Tuesday, 8 April 2008, 6:07PM

Jodi Unsworth was born with a large, brown and hairy birthmark that covers 80% of her body. For 15 years it went undiagnosed and she underwent over 30 operations in an attempt to rid herself of the unsightly blemish.

What Jodie didn’t realise was that by operating on the birthmark she was risking her life.
“At the time the medical staff believed that the operations were necessary, as they didn't know if the condition could be life threatening. I therefore undertook many types of surgery to remove the CMN including, excisions, dermabrasion and skin grafts.”

Before her diagnosis, Jodie was led to believe that she was the only person to suffer with the condition, but after a chance meeting with a leading skin specialist, she was finally able to put a name to her vascular birthmark. Jodi says, “I and my parents couldn't believe our ears, as I had come to terms with the fact that I was more than likely the only one with this particular skin problem.”

Its official name is Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN) and the condition can be life-threatening because it can cause cancerous cells. Since her diagnosis Jodi has become a spokesperson for the condition and has established a nationwide support group for CMN sufferers and their families called Caring Matters Now (CMN).

For more information please contact -

Buckets of Love
www.blythswood.org
Is the charity that Jodi Unsworth is working with.

Caring Matters Now
www.caringmattersnow.co.uk

Birthmarks Support Group
www.birthmarksupportgroup.org.uk
Who provide support and information to anyone who has a birthmark and offers support to the whole family. Ensures a better understanding amongst the medical profession about types of birthmarks, possible complications and treatment, not only of the birthmark but of the whole person. The group aids research into the cause of birthmarks (so far unknown) and possible cures. Eases the path through schools (nursery, primary and secondary) by educating both teachers and pupils.

Changing Faces
Helpline: 0845 4500 275
www.changingfaces.org.uk
Changing Faces provides free help, support and information for children (and their parents) and adults who have any form of disfigurement. The aim is to build effective coping strategies and self-confidence. It also works with healthcare professionals, schools and others to promote awareness about disfigurement and its effects, as well as information and advice for employers to encourage equal opportunities in the workplace and advice for health-care professionals in developing new models of health-care.

The British Association of Skin Camouflage
www.skin-camouflage.net
Aims to benefit the community by training professionals to the highest standard in skin camouflage techniques whilst furthering their knowledge, actively promotes a change in attitudes towards disfigurement. Supports and help the patient's confidence by the skilful application of skin camouflage. Promotes, supports and furthers the remedial techniques of camouflage, helping patients to face the world with confidence.

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