Carly Findlay suffers skin condition, wins internet after copping abuse on internet site Reddit

CARLY Findlay suffers from a rare skin condition. When the internet saw her photo she became a victim of cruel taunts. She fought back.

A WOMAN who suffers a rare skin condition has won the internet after copping ridicule on Reddit.

Not only does Carly Findlay suffer from a rare skin condition, Ichthyosis, she has two forms; a mix of Netherton syndrome and Erythroderma.

Symptoms range from chronic skin inflammation, itchiness, dehydration and stunted growth.

It also causes skin to shed "at an insane rate".

The condition affects 10-20 people per million.

But when a Reddit user Google Image searched "champagne fridge" they stumbled upon a picture of Carly holding a glass of bubbles.

"I thought WTF," the user wrote, and posted the image of Carly online.

A Reddit user posted this image of Carly Findlay in the "WTF" section.

The internet soon took over.

"What does your vagina look like?"

"WTF is that? Looks like something that was partially digested by my dog."

"She looks like a glazed donut."

Findlay's worst nightmare had become reality. She was the subject of intense scrutiny and unreasonable, uneducated diagnoses from "Dr. Google".

So, she decided to fight back.

Carly's brave Reddit post

"I knew the day would come that someone would create a Reddit thread about me, using my photo, having a laugh at my appearance," she posted in response .

"For years, that fear was why I didn't share photos of me online. But now, after gaining confidence and support through years of blogging, I couldn't care whether they call me a lobster or silly putty.

"The love I have around me and success I have had through telling my own story to break down stigma like these Reddit threads is stronger than any of those words.

"Yes I have Ichthyosis. Yes that picture is me. Don't fear it and don't criticise it. I am proud of the way I look, what I have achieved and for telling my story.

"FYI: I have two forms of Ichthyosis - a mix of Netherton's syndrome and erythroderma. My skin is shiny because I use paraffin. My body is less red than my face as it's not exposed to the elements, but it is generally more painful. Ichthyosis is survivable - I have lived a very full life.

The original user then gave this backhanded apology.

Carly fights back: Reddit style.

"I'm reading all this and I apologise!

"I was looking for "champagne fridge" on Google Images. When I saw your picture, I thought "WTF!" and further: "allergic reaction", also your hair looks a bit on fire so I put it here.

"Hopefully you see it as a good promotion for your blog and chapeau [hats off] to you for being awesome!"

She was then joined by a score of supporters.

Defending my photo on Reddit. http://t.co/wm5bjkgogY#socialmedia #diversity #ichthyosis

— Carly Findlay (@carlyfindlay) December 19, 2013

"You, madam, are the strongest motherf****r I have ever HEARD of, let alone met. If you are ever in Boston, I would be honoured to buy you a beer."

In a later blog post about her experience, she described "smashing" her own fears, "fighting back with awesome" and thanked those that went in to bat for her.

"I hope others out there are strong enough like me to deal with it," she told news.com.au.

"It's pretty nasty online."

Carly posted this image on her blog in response.

Earlier this year a Melbourne taxi company apologised to Findlay after a taxi driver told her "you smell" and asked "what's on your face?".

"It's the right outcome," Ms Findlay told news.com.au, adding the company's apology was genuine. "It might help the wider industry."