Young woman nicknamed ‘monkey’ because of large birthmark

A YOUNG woman with a birthmark that covers 80% of her body has chosen to ignore her bullies and embrace her uniqueness.

Beatriz Pugliese knows all too well the impact that bullying can have on a person

BEATRIZ Pugliese knows all too well the impact that bullying can have on a person, having endured cruel taunts from others all her life as a result of a huge birthmark that covers 80% of her body.

The 22-year-old Brazilian woman was born with a giant congenital melanocytic nevus, a rare skin condition that affects only one in 500,000 people.

Ms Pugliese has endured constant bullying as a result of her birthmark, earning her the nickname “monkey” from her peers.

But despite all of this she has made the choice not to undergo further surgery to reduce the appearance of the birthmark and has instead made the inspirational decision to embrace her uniqueness.

“I would always tell others that we have to learn to be happy with what we have, in every sense of life but specifically in our differences,” she told The Daily Mail.

Ms Pugliese’s attributes part of her positive self-image to the ongoing love and support she receives from her family and her boyfriend.

“I have always had the freedom to wear any clothes that I want and [my family] never encouraged me to try and hide my skin from other people.”

She says that her birthmark has “never been a problem” for her boyfriend of three years Fellipe Koroboff and he has always helped to make her feel confident.

Despite her cruel nickname, Ms Pugliese hopes to be able to work closely with monkeys and other animals.

“Nature fascinates me, all its details are so incredible that I could spend hours in a forest just enjoying it all,” she said.

Ms Pugliese hopes that her story will encourage others to accept who they are and love themselves.

“I hope to inspire other people to embrace who they are, and to be confident in their own skin,” she said.

“We have to see what we are inside, it sounds cliche but it’s the truth.”