Model With Rare Genetic Disorder Is A Brilliant Example Of Inclusion

This world is a diverse one, so it’s refreshing when the fashion industry reflects that reality. And Seattle-based model Melanie Gaydos is hoping to add to that effort. Gaydos, 28, was born with ectodermal dysplasia, a genetic disorder that can interfere with the proper growth of the hair, nails, teeth, skin and glands. Her involvement in the fashion community is helping people like her to see a place for them in the highly stylized world of modeling. A post shared by Melanie Gaydos (@melaniegaydos) on May 17, 2017 at 5:12pm PDT Fewer than 200,000 people in the United States experience the rare condition, according to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias. And almost every individual will experience the disorder differently. More than 180 types of ectodermal dysplasia exist, so the combination of symptoms varies with each diagnosis. Gaydos’ version of the condition meant she was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. The disorder affected the growth of her pores, hair, teeth and nails. She had nearly 40 surgeries when she was a child to correct her mouth, eyes and ears, she said. “I definitely found a way of coping with [ectodermal dysplasia] just in how I perceive and accept my body, how it looks and how it functions,” Gaydos told HuffPost.  The disorder doesn’t just affect a person’s appearance: A common symptom is also the inability to sweat and regulate body temperature, accord...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news