Adorable baby girl looks like a real-life unicorn thanks to rare birthmark – but is taunted by cruel trolls
A BABY’S rare condition has left her with a “unicorn horn” that her parents adore.
Claire Burt was shocked when she first saw her daughter Lulu, who was born via C-section in September 2023.
The 31-year-old and her fiancé Charlie Satele, 27, were told their newborn had a birthmark called congenital melanocytic naevus.
It was already large but has continued to grow since her birth.
The non-genetic condition happens by chance, and often increases in size and grows hair over time.
But while Lulu’s unique mark often attracts attention in public and on social media, her parents are determined to ensure she grows up accepting her differences.
“People always stare at her when we are out,” Claire, a stay-at-home mum from New Zealand, said.
“Some think it’s cute, some ask about it, or we have had people laugh.
“It made me feel very uncomfortable with the staring – especially at the start.
“One day we had to do three different flights in one day so walking around the airport, everyone would stare.
“I would just look forward and not make eye contact. But now I just smile.
“The comments can be very mean online and always from grown adults.
“It makes me so mad but I will continue to spread awareness for Lulu and we will make sure she knows how beautiful and special she is as she gets older.”
Lulu’s naevus came as a surprise to her parents Claire and Charlie when she was born last year.
Claire said: “They brought her over to me [after she was born] and it was a big shock – I asked for my glasses.
“I remember thinking, ‘Gosh, it’s quite big’, but now it’s just her wee personality.
“It’s grown rapidly since then, but that’s quite common.”
Large congenital naevus’ like Lulu’s are so rare that they occur in just one out of every 20,000 live births.
Claire often shares insights into the condition on TikTok (@life_of_a_binge_eater).
But raising awareness has unfortunately also led to some trolls telling her to have Lulu’s birthmark removed for cosmetic reasons – something that can come with risks as the skin often needs to be stretched prior to removal.
Claire said: “It’s not something we’re going to have removed unless it’s for a medical reason.
Three women have messaged me from all different parts of the world saying they had no idea what it was called and their baby girls have the same condition
Claire
“We will let her decide what she wants to do when she’s older.
“But it’s pretty much on her hairline, so it’s probably going to be covered as her hair grows.
“I suspect by then you’ll only be able to see the tip of it.
“Anyone who looks at someone with any kind of condition and judges so quickly has obviously got something troubling going on in their own life.
“We’re going to teach Lulu to love herself and to know that she’s beautiful, special and unique.
“It’s just a wee special spot on her head that doesn’t define her.”
Cancer worries
The new mum was worried when doctors warned that there was a chance the birthmark could turn cancerous.
Her type may give her an increased risk of the most serious type of skin cancer – melanoma.
Melanoma linked with these large birthmarks is difficult to treat and the survival rate is low, MedlinePlus reports. There is an earlier risk of it developing during childhood.
But after consulting specialists, the family were told it was unlikely in Lulu’s case.
However, she does need regular monitoring on the off chance her condition changes.
The mum said: “She only has one naevus so she’s classed as low-risk.
“If babies have more than one – they normally have a big one and then a whole lot of little ones – that’s when you worry.
“Sometimes they can be internal, but Lulu is too little to have further investigations done at the moment. They can be on the lungs, the brain and in the eyes.
“They are saying at this point that they don’t think that will be the case for Lulu. But we will have it looked at down the line.”
Luckily, the sweet tot is thriving.
Claire added: “Lulu has such a big personality. She is so cheeky and loves to see everything that’s going on around her.
“She has already found her voice with laughter and squeals and loves to give snuggles when you pick her up.
“Posting about Lulu has made it possible for three women to message me from all different parts of the world saying they had no idea what it was called and their baby girls have the same one.
“It’s made them feel not so alone as they had no idea what it was called.”
What is a congenital melanocytic naevus?
Birthmarks are coloured areas of the skin that are present from birth or very soon after.
There are various types depending on the presentation, including salmon patches (pink), strawberry marks (raised and red), port wine stains (purple or dark), and congenital melanocytic naevi (brown or black).
Like all birthmarks, congenital melanocytic naevus is generally harmless but may carry risks.
They could develop into skin cancer, the risk becoming greater the larger they are.
The birthmark can change with age, or become raised and hairy.
It needs to be cared for to prevent skin cancer, such as by avoiding sun exposure – the leading cause of skin cancer.
When there is high risk of skin cancer, the birthmark might be surgically removed.