The human genome is made of 23 pairs of DNA, allowing for an endless number of genetic combinations and expressions. Take a look at these individuals whose unique genes are a true testament to beauty through diversity.
Eye-Catching Shades
It’s often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In this case, the eyes hold a beauty of their own. Most people have eyes that are both the same color, be it blue, brown, or a different hue; but every now and again, something interesting occurs in the genome.
Heterochromia is a condition which Judith Renée Adrienne has lived with all her life, and it has certainly been a conversation starter. While heterochromia typically presents as one blue eye and one brown, in Judith’s case, one part of her iris is a different color to the rest.
Missing Fingers
High fives may be cool, but they’re not the be-all and end-all when it comes to expressing happiness. Those born with a congenital condition called symbrachydactyly, like Jessica Dana, are more likely to have experienced high fours, and they may be even better.
Jessica possesses just four digits on her hand instead of the usual five, but the rare condition has not stopped her from performing normal activities. Most people born with symbrachydactyly learn quickly to adapt and lead fully-functioning lives. And from the looks of it? Jessica is all smiles.
A Natural Piercing
Many parents choose to pierce their infant’s ears before the child is out of diapers. While their reasons may range, this baby won’t recall the pain of having theirs pierced. That's because, despite the looks of it, the tiny hole in her ear is actually the result of a rare condition.
Little Amelia hasn’t yet had her first piercing experience, but one would be forgiven for thinking so upon looking at her lobe. A natural condition called preauricular pits, caused by a misplaced sinus tract, left tiny dents on her ear. Think of it as nature’s way of marking out the perfect spot for a piercing.
Multi-Colored Lashes
The ancient Egyptians were the first who glammed up their eyes by coating their lashes in black pigment. The trick has stood the test of time, and mascara is now a key element in many a make-up bag. Although black is often the go-to, the ‘80s saw mascaras in a variety of colors like blue and purple.
It may appear as though this woman is rocking white mascara on her right eye, but the unique look is actually the result of vitiligo. The condition is characterized by patches without pigment, typically in the skin, but can also affect hair like in this case.
Matching Birthmarks
Many people around the world believe in soulmates and the idea that there is a person out there who perfectly matches them. Sometimes it’s a feeling of recognition when they meet — a sensation of knowing the other person all their lives. But in the case of this woman? Perhaps the sign was more physical.
Both she and her partner happened to have matching birthmarks in the exact same spot on their right thighs! The chances of such an occurrence are slim as even identical twins don’t always share corresponding spots. Signs of a soulmate or not, finding someone with an identical cluster of pigmented skin cells is remarkable.
Massive Pupils
It is scientifically possible to tell if a human is in love. How? Well, it's all to do with the eyes. When looking at something they like, one's pupils — the black part at the center of the eye — become larger. The response is known as dilation, while the narrowing of the pupil is called constriction.
Both responses can be caused by a variety of substances and medical conditions, but one that is perhaps not as familiar is anisocoria. Defined by a person’s pupils being unequal in size, it actually affects up to 20% of the population. The condition can develop over time and sometimes indicate other underlying medical issues.
Same Streaks
Cruella de Vil was famous for sporting a hairdo that was black on one side and white on the other. But perhaps her signature look was the result of a little known condition called poliosis. The absence of melanin in hair, poliosis can strike anywhere from head hair to eyebrows.
The condition is passed genetically, as in the case of Brianna Worthy. Not only did she gift her white streak to her daughter, MilliAnna, but she herself also inherited the trait from generations before! Dating back to Brianna’s grandmother, family tradition was definitely not “hair today, gone tomorrow!”
Snow Angel
Another condition that can result in depigmentation of certain body parts is Waardenburg syndrome. Named after Dutch ophthalmologist and geneticist Petrus Johannes Waardenburg, who described it in 1951, the condition can express itself in lighter patches of skin, hair, and even differing eye color.
Depending on the condition’s type, those with the condition can also experience a wider gap between their eyes, giving them a whimsical childlike appearance, as well as hearing difficulties. 1 in 40,000 people is born with it, according to MedlinePlus - including Stef Sanjati, who possesses a streak of lighter hair around her face.
X Marks the Spot
Billions of dollars are spent each year on make-up to conceal consumers' imperfections and give them an even skin tone. But imagine for a second if they weren't viewed as imperfections at all. Boitumelo Rametsi believes exactly that and wants the world to know.
The South African social media influencer was born with a condition called vitiligo that has left part of her skin lacking pigment. Instead of covering up her lighter spots, she has embraced them and wants others with the same condition to do it too. Spot the empowerment!
Thumbs Up
Humans are a unique species thanks to one significant characteristic — they possess opposable thumbs. The fifth digit, situated on the side of the hand, allows them and other primates, like apes and monkeys, to grip things. For some people, though, their thumbs look a little different.
Typically, the digit is made up of two phalange bones, but those with a condition called Triphalangeal Thumb possess three. As a result, their thumb presents as a fifth finger and is usually non-opposable, which can make daily functions slightly tricky.
Twinning
Did you know that animals, especially dogs, are prone to many conditions that people have? Like their human friends, pups can contract colds and cancer - but they are also susceptible to genetic conditions like vitiligo that affect the pigment in one’s skin.
As seen in this photo, this adorable pooch is mostly black aside for two large white patches around his eyes where there is an absence of melanin. He is the perfect companion to this young boy who also has vitiligo, and is a reminder that our differences are what makes us beautiful!
Hitchhiker's Thumb
Hitchhiking is an age-old tradition that involves people asking strangers for a ride to wherever they’re headed. The aspiring travelers normally stand on the side of the road, gesturing with a thumbs up, to let drivers know that they are in need of their generosity.
Although it is not quite certain where the thumb signal originated, it has led itself to the name of a condition known as Hitchhiker’s Thumb. Officially called distal hyperextensibility, it allows one’s thumb to bend back more than most. According to clevelandclinic, around 20% of people are able to do so.
Envy Over Green Eyes
When it comes to genes, some are more recessive than others. As many as sixteen genes influence a person’s eye color, with brown pigment being the most dominant of all. As such, it is no surprise that brown is the world’s most common eye color - but can you guess the rarest?
According to MedicalNewsToday, only 2% of the population can claim to possess green eyes (Harry Potter included). While the occurrence of green eyes is more common in some parts of the world than others, genetic combinations have to be just right for a baby to be born with emerald orbs.
Catty Eyes
When it comes to make-up, cat eyes are very popular. Be it a full-on wing or a more subtle kitten flick, feline features are always on-trend. For some folks, though, they needn’t resort to liquid liner, as alluring cat eyes are a genetic trait they were born with.
Schmid–Fraccaro syndrome is more commonly referred to as Cat Eye Syndrome (CES) and affects around 1 in 74,000 people. As National Organization for Rare Disorders put it, the rare condition is caused by an abnormal extra chromosome in the 22nd pair. It typically results in individuals having slit-like pupils like those of a feline.
Long Locks
Most of the time, babies are born without hair. Yet, many parents will attest to their newborns exiting the womb with a few already-formed follicles. Safe to say, Baby Chanco certainly had her fair share. One look at the picture below should do all the talking here.
The Japanese tot was born with a full head of thick black hair that just kept on growing, even to her own mother’s surprise. At just 1-years-old, Chanco’s locks earned her her very own Pantene commercial, where she was naturally the “mane” star, and she has thousands of amazed followers on Instagram.
Special Speckles
More than 150 million people around the world use contact lenses. The concept is actually attributed to Leonardo da Vinci who first thought of a lens to correct a person’s vision. But it took many more decades until the invention of contact lenses as we know them today.
Although lenses are typically worn as an alternative to glasses, colored contacts have become extremely popular with those who wish to change the hue of their irises. Some lens manufacturers also design unique versions, but this individual has her own captivating shade thanks to her sectoral heterochromia.
Untraceable
The first thing that police do when appearing at a crime scene is dust for fingerprints. Although the culprits usually wear gloves to conceal them, imagine if they had no fingerprints at all… This is the situation for five extended families around the world who do not have any fingerprints.
The extremely rare condition is called Adermatoglyphia and is related to an anomaly with the 4th chromosome. According to MedlinePlus, patients have flat finger pads and a reduced number of sweat glands in their hands. But most significantly, they have no fingerprints, which makes travel and other bureaucracy difficult.
Long Arms
Being tall and thin is definitely down to genetics, but in the case of Rhayssa Lima, there is also something else at play. The 27-year-old (who also has Scoliosis) could be described as slender, owing to her long arms, legs, and thin frame - but it is actually the result of Marfan’s Syndrome.
Essentially a mutation in the gene that accounts for connective tissue, Marfan’s can also come with a series of complications. Those with the condition often experience issues with their heart, eyes, and spinal posture. But if Rhayssa’s photo is anything to go by, those arms are great for big hugs!
The Swirly Button
Belly buttons serve as an everyday reminder that humans are connected to the generation that came before. The spot is the place where a baby’s umbilical cord was linked to the woman who carried them. According to Healthline, the shape is often determined by how skillful the doctor is at cutting the cord.
Most of the time, navels present what is called an “innie” or an “outie” depending on whether it is concave. But one can sometimes find a more unusual shape. It is incredibly rare for the umbilical scar to form a swirl, but as seen in this picture, it does indeed occur!
The Writing’s on the Arm
For centuries, human beings have been fascinated with marking their skin. The first example of tattooing dates back to the ancient Egyptians, and the art of scarification has been popular amongst tribal groups for a variety of reasons. The latter involves etching a design into the skin that then takes months to heal.
Real scarification includes a lot of pain, but those with dermatographia receive the benefits without the pain. Scratching the skin will result in a pattern forming that remains present for around 30 minutes and is rare enough that it affects only 2-5% of the population, according to Mayo Clinic.
All in the Family
Blood is thicker than water in this family, and the genes are pretty strong too! It is not just the resemblance that makes it easy to identify the members of the Da Silva clan as 14 of the relatives all have one particular trait in common. Just take a look at their hands…
Unlike most people, members of this family possess the polydactyl gene, which gives them an additional finger. It does not always happen that an extra digit will be present on both hands. But those in the Da Silva household actually have six fingers on each hand and six toes on both feet.
Making a Splash
Birthmarks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and even colors. But believe it or not, one of the most common variations is that which is known as a port-wine stain. The red-haired beauty featured below can be seen possessing the remarkable feature.
The formal name for the condition is nevus flammeus. But “port-wine stain” was eventually adopted due to the color being similar to that of the fortified red wine from Portugal. Although these birthmarks appear most often on the face, they can also be found on the neck, upper torso, arms, and legs.
Spreading the Light
Several conditions on this list feature an absence of melanin, but Albinism is perhaps the most well-known. It has been documented over the years affecting species throughout nature, from humans to other mammals, birds, reptiles, and even plants. The condition is defined as an organism lacking pigment, according to Mayoclinic.
Due to the lack of melanin, it is tremendously important for those with albinism to protect themselves from the sun. Just like Mara and Lara Bawar, the identical twins seen above. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, the inspiring sisters are proud of their individuality and have even caught the attention of Rihanna.
Freckled Beauty
Freckles are more common than some of the other traits on our list. Nonetheless, the prominent feature is just as beautiful. Look no further than Yaminah Mayo, a content creator from New York. Yaminah was born with both freckles and vitiligo, making for a remarkable combination - as seen below.
According to Medline Plus, the presence of freckles is actually related to rare alleles of the MC1R gene, and the clusters of melanin are formed through exposure to the sun. While it is important for freckled individuals to wear sunscreen, those with the mesmerizing mutation are certainly making their mark in the world.
Rare Pupils
It is through the eyes that one spills their secrets, so they say. In the case of those with uveal coloboma, it appears their pupils are truly leaking. The condition is extremely rare, affecting fewer than one in 10,000 people, but can have a big impact depending on its location.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a coloboma describes a failure of tissue development around one's eye. Those with the condition can range from having perfect vision to being able to see only light or dark depending on the position and size of the feature.
Warm Cuddles
Some babies enter the world totally bald, others with a shiny head of hair, and in cases such as this one — a little furry coat. At around 16 weeks of pregnancy, an infant’s fetal hair follicles begin to produce their first hairs while still in the womb.
Typically, the fine hair is shed at around seven or eight months of gestation, but in instances where it does not, the little one is born with a soft layer of hair that feels almost downy. The hair is called lanugo and is nothing to worry about as it usually disappears on its own, according to Healthline.
Symmetrical Spots
It might seem that Chelsea Levine measured the exact space between her collarbones and drew in two tiny freckles because that is just how symmetrical those two spots are. But in actual fact, nature was the architect here. As for the science behind it?
While the appearance of freckles on a person’s skin is related to the MC1R gene, it comes down to the type of melanin their body produces. People with red, blonde, or light brown hair and who have light-colored skin and eyes usually produce mainly pheomelanin that does not protect against UV rays, leading to more freckles.
Natural Flippers
Following Darwin's theory, most organisms have adapted to their environments, which is how they managed to survive. Seeing as humans are able to walk on land and don't breathe underwater, we don't require flippers like other creatures. That doesn't mean that some did not hold onto the idea…
Some humans are born with their fingers or toes fused together, forming a type of flipper. Called syndactyly, the rare condition is the result of a process during pregnancy in which the protein that dissolves the fetus's webbing isn't successful. Although harmless, some with syndactyly opt for surgery to separate the digits.
Purple Eyes
Thought freckles could only occur on one’s skin? Think again! Almost anywhere on the body can have melanocytes which are tiny cells that produce melanin. A cluster of these is what creates a freckle, mole, or birthmark, and they can spread far and wide — even within the eye.
Labeled a nevus, the colored growth can appear on the white part of the eye called the conjunctiva. Commonly ranging from yellow to brown in color, the little spots are not painful but should be checked by an ophthalmologist every now and again to ensure they do not become cancerous.
Special Tummy
Talk about being cute as a button: the button-like formation on this baby's tummy is the result of what is called an umbilical hernia. Also called a herniated belly button, the marvel occurs when the intestine slightly protrudes through the abdominal muscles.
As scary as it may sound, umbilical hernias at birth are fairly common and thankfully harmless. Nonetheless, many tend to shrink on their own accord by the time a child hits the age of five - sometimes even earlier. In the meantime, we can't stop staring at that adorable tummy!
Blue Eyed Beauties
Liam Tyler is the apple of his mother Elizabeth’s eye, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to love, the pair also share something else — extraordinarily unique eyes. Both possess a striking set of eyes that are piercing blue, yet scattered with black spots.
The unusual orbs may appear to be contact lenses at first, but they are completely real. “My eyes were a common topic of interest from people who were not used to seeing them,” the 35-year-old mother notes. Although she was bullied over her heterochromia iridium when she was younger, Elizabeth says she loves her eyes. And so do we.
Lost Ligaments
Ectrodactyly, sometimes called split hand / split foot malformation (SHFM), affects between 1 in 90,000 and 1 in 10,000 people. The condition is caused by a defect on chromosome 7 and is characterised by the absence of fingers or toes on a person’s hand, leaving the limb with a claw-like appearance.
Shannon Crossland was told that her condition would prevent her from doing a myriad of things — but she didn’t listen. The ectrodactyly awareness advocate proudly shows off her hands and feet, often with inspirational sayings, to encourage others to embrace their differences.
A Memorable Mark
The birthmark on Seema Samosa’s face looks intricate enough that it could have been the result of an artistic moment by an artist using henna. Yet, the birthmark on the right side of her nose has been with the Reddit user all her life and has turned heads wherever she goes.
Completely natural and harmless, birthmarks are caused by a collection of melanin-producing cells. Their shape and size are also entirely random, as is where they decide to appear. Seema stated on Reddit that she was posting her photo after noticing the underrepresentation of port-wine stains.
Father & Son
It is not every day that we see webbed toes or fingers, known as syndactyly. But based on this picture, both this dad and his newborn share the remarkable trait. According to Medscape, it affects one in 2,500-3,000 babies and is more likely to be present in boys than girls.
In some cases, a child born with webbed digits may possess more complex conditions, but the webbing itself is harmless. If performing everyday tasks becomes too difficult, surgery can be performed to split them. But as the photo shows, people can safely live into adulthood with syndactyly.
Pale Perfection
There is something ethereal about alabaster skin. Perhaps it reminds some of the elves in Lord of the Rings, or is nostalgic to Snow White’s beauty. Whatever the reason, it is quite clearly present in those with albinism, as Russian model, Nastya “Kimi” Kumarova can demonstrate.
Due to the lack of melanin in her body, Nastya’s marble skin is complemented by strikingly light hair, giving her an angelic appearance which has seen her featured in Vogue and Diesel campaigns. “When I see other people, when I see the world, it looks super beautiful for me.” As are you, Miss Kumarova.
Only Smiles Here
Ilka Brühl is a model who is redefining beauty. Born with a genetic condition called ectodermal dysplasia that affects the structure of her face, she has not let it stop her from pursuing a career in front of the camera. If anything, it may have made her even more determined.
“EVERYBODY is beautiful in her or his own way,” declares the 28-year-old. Growing up in Germany, Ilka endured 10 surgeries and experienced bullying, but soon discovered a love for photography and modeling which she has described as a form of self-therapy. “Every defect and every mistake is a part of you. Make the most of it.” Agreed.
Bright Lights, Bright Future
Naomi Grossman is a talented actress, writer, and producer. But she is perhaps best known for her role on American Horror Story. Her character, Pepper, has microcephaly — a condition that Naomi herself has in real life. The medical condition is present from birth and involves a shorter-than-normal head.
Microcephaly is caused by a disruption to the genetic processes that form the brain early in pregnancy and can affect one’s intellectual ability, motor functions, speech, among other issues. It makes Grossman’s dedication to her craft even more impressive.
Little Body, Large Heart
Another star of American Horror Story is Jyoti Amge, who, at just 63 centimeters tall, is the shortest woman in the world. The title was awarded to Jyoti on her 16th birthday when she stood only 62.8 centimeters in stature. Though her body may be little, her determination is enormous!
Now 27-years-old, the Indian native has advocated for awareness of her condition — primordial dwarfism — and stands tall as an ambassador. Unlike typical dwarfism, primordial dwarfism results in a smaller body size from even before birth and affects only 100 people in North America.
The Key to Everything
We’re fairly certain that this cutie holds the key to her parent's heart, and it has nothing to do with her eyes. Polly was born with a condition called coloboma, which has left her left pupil in the shape of a keyhole as a result of a lack of tissue.
“How perfectly does this capture Polly’s eye!” her mother captioned the sweet photo on Instagram. Based on the picture, it does not seem like light bothers the little girl’s eye. Depending on whether the optic nerve is affected by the hole, those with coloboma can have normal vision.
Age is Just a Number
Asking someone how old they are is an easy way to land oneself in hot water. And when it comes to Challi Muguira, it can be particularly complicated. Despite being only 30-years-old, Challi appears to be older due to a genetic condition called Progeria.
Also known as Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, Progeria causes the body to age faster than normal, leaving individuals with the condition looking much older than they actually are. But Muguira has not let it get her down. "It's affected my life in more of a positive way… I want to help people [like me]," she gushed.
A Mark of Confidence
Life wan't always easy for Shorouk El Okda, who has a large black birthmark on the right side of her face. Yet, the 29-year-old has forgone the skeptics and chosen to love herself exactly as she is. “Self-confidence, coping with bullying, and self-love, as you are, is the most beautiful thing,” Shorouk shared on IG.
El Okda has harnessed the power of social media to send a message of positivity, self-love, and acceptance to her followers and encourage them to embrace themselves in whatever package they come. “Love yourself, trust yourself,” she writes. Wise words.
Twice the Beauty
This baby is part of a very special statistic — although at this age, she probably doesn’t realize it. In a few years time, little Ruby will become aware that her eyes are slightly different to others around her due to her heterochromia iridium that has given her one blue eye and one brown.
Ruby’s mom says the tot’s eyes have been noticeably different since she was four weeks old, placing her within 1% of the population who possess the genetic condition. But she is not alone — notable names with heterochromia include Kate Bosworth, Kiefer Sutherland, and Josh Henderson.
Like Mother Like Son
We’re sure that Samuel Silva has inherited a series of good traits from his mother and grandmother. Amongst them can be included a rare skin condition called Piebaldism that has passed through generations of the family, as this picture shows. It seems that even the doll has the same genes!
Piebaldism is the absence of melanin-forming cells, leaving areas of the skin without pigment. Although the effect is similar to that of vitiligo, the two conditions are unrelated. Samuel's unique look has helped him model, with the 7-year-old becoming the face of acceptance and inclusion in the children's fashion industry.
A True Beauty Queen
Brianna Worden had competed in beauty pageants since a young age. While this is not uncommon amongst female children, the fact that she did so with a rare genetic condition is. Brianna was born with neurofibromatosis, which affects the ability of cells in the nervous system to form and grow.
Due to her condition, Worden possesses a series of tumors on her left side. Previously, she had some on her vocal cords which left her unable to speak for 6 months. Having endured ten surgeries throughout her life, the 23-year-old says, “I hope to inspire others with and without NF just to really accept who you are.”
A Miracle Baby
One of the first things that babies learn at a young age is how to grip. For little Louie, the action is a little different due to his having ectrodactyly. The infant’s hands appear claw-like due to the genetic condition, which affects just 1 in 90,000 births, as National Center for Biotechnology Information revealed.
Although harmless, ectrodactyly can affect everyday functionality depending on how severely it is expressed. Many who are born with the condition choose to undergo surgery which is the route that Louie’s folks have chosen. His family has described him as “a miracle baby who has a lot to teach us about faith, hope, and love.”
A Ray of Sunshine
No kid truly enjoys having their hair combed, much to many parents’ chagrin. Parents will tell you numerous mornings have included lots of tears following an attempt to detangle their child’s locks. But luckily for Omar’s mom, she doesn’t have to bother.
The toddler has a genetic condition that affects the development of his hair shaft, leaving him with wiry hair that is impossible to comb. It’s for this reason that the condition is called Uncombable Hair Syndrome. Around 100 people are believed to have this condition which is said to improve with age, according to Science Alert.
Staring Hardship in the Face
If there’s one thing that Coral Johnson McDaniel loves about herself, it is the patch of lighter skin over her left eye. The unique area is the result of vitiligo, in which melanin is absent from the cells, leaving them without pigment. Instead of shying away, Coral chose to be in the spotlight and model.
“The vitiligo on my face yells ‘stare,’” she admits before continuing, “I love the pale mark on my left eye because I am humbled by just how human I really am.” McDaniel has chosen to embrace every bit of her gorgeous self in spite of the skeptics and more power to her!
A Fresh Perspective
Lucy Edwards describes herself as “blind not broken.” The 25-year-old lost sight in her right eye at age 11 and became blind in her left eye just six years later. The vision loss is the result of a rare genetic condition called Incontinentia Pigmenti that is carried on the X chromosome.
Those with the condition are prone to abnormalities with their skin, teeth, nails, and, in Lucy’s case, vision. Despite the additional challenges that she faces, Edwards has excelled: becoming a journalist, social media star, and the very first blind presenter on BBC Radio 1!
Beauty in All Shades
The standards and definition of beauty are continuously changing thanks to individuals like Deborah Moreno. The Dutch native was born with vitiligo which has left part of her skin without pigmentation, but proudly shows off her body in her work as a model.
“Self-confidence is key,” she explained on her Instagram profile. It is clear to see how comfortable Deborah feels in her own skin, giving others with vitiligo the encouragement to do the same. Her posts are flooded with comments praising her for embracing her differences.
The Fierce Redhead
Dynamite comes in small packages — just ask Lauren Ruotolo. McCune-Albright syndrome (a rare genetic condition that affects the skin, bone, and endocrine system) has left the redhead powerhouse with a stature of just 4”2. But a sense of determination quadruple that amount!
Ruotolo started her own footwear line called Unstoppable Shoes for ladies of smaller size as she is self-proclaimed “stiletto obsessed.” Even though she uses crutches, she proudly flaunts her heels. As her Instagram profile proudly states, Lauren is fighting for inclusion for all by turning the invisible into invincible.
The Silver Beauty
While it might look like this sleeping beauty just came from the salon, that's not the case here. Baby Caroline was born with Poliosis, a rare genetic condition that causes an absence of melanin in one's hair shaft and results in follicles lacking pigment.
It is common for Poliosis to occur with other conditions like Vitiligo or Piebaldism, but it does not appear as though Caroline has either. Time will tell whether she develops more than one patch of pigment-less hair, but in the meantime, she’s rocking the look!
It’s All in the Eyes
Denitsa Pikus is gorgeous in her own right, but her beauty becomes even more remarkable when looking into her eyes. The fitness instructor is one of the few individuals around the world who has Heterochromia Iridium — a rare condition that affects one’s eyes.
As seen in her selfie, Denitsa has a brown eye on the right and a green eye on the left. As Medicine Net put it, less than 1 in 200,000 people in the United States have been reported having Heterochromia Iridum. Pikus could always choose to wear a colored contact lens should she prefer green or brown.
Eyes on the Prize
Erika Zanow has a pair of beautiful blue-green eyes that express warmth, emotion, and a unique genetic trait. Upon looking at her left eye, one can spot what appears to be a keyhole at the center. The fascinating shape is the result of a tiny hole beside Erika’s pupil.
Known as a coloboma, the condition hails from the Greek word for “curtailed” and is caused during prenatal development when the tissue within the eye fails to form fully. Fortunately, according to Medline Plus, most cases of coloboma affect only the iris, meaning vision is not commonly distorted.
Doubled Digits
Like most babies, little Nolan loves to suck on his fingers. Where it differs, however, is that some of the toddler’s fingers are fused together due to a condition called syndactyly. According to the Boston Children’s Hospital, any fingers can be joined, but syndactyly most commonly occurs between the middle and ring fingers.
The digits usually separate between the sixth and eighth week of pregnancy. Syndactyly is defined as simple or complex depending on whether bones are also fused. The genetic condition often runs in families, with around 10 to 40 percent of cases being inherited from parents.
Long Toes
Although it seems as though one’s big toe would be the largest, that is not always the case with certain people. Millions of individuals around the world possess a second toe whose metatarsal (that’s the bone inside) is as long, or even longer, than their first.
The fairly common condition is titled Morton’s Toe and affects between 2.95 and 22 percent of the population, according to Healthline. Although harmless, those with the striking condition do sometimes experience calluses or discomfort due to shoes not being designed for such feet.
Love and Light
This little cutie is making the world a better place with her smile and awareness of albinism. Named Alexa Love, the influencer shares with her almost 20,000 Instagram followers snippets of life as a young child dealing with the rare genetic condition.
With a blond afro, the three-year-old is almost never found without her pair of bubblegum pink glasses due to her fragile eyesight - a result of albinism. Alexa’s mom is also proudly creating awareness for the condition through the toddler’s online presence.
Face Full of Freckles
When it comes to having a set of striking features, Autumn can confidently raise her hand. The beauty has been blessed with green eyes, red hair, and a multitude of freckles — all three of which are recessive genes, making the social media star incredibly unique.
Individuals with prominent freckling have one or more variants of the MC1R gene and typically gain more spots through exposure to the sun. Autumn’s Instagram account is filled with dozens of selfies in which she proudly shows off her freckles. And we can understand why!
One & The Same
Many kids have said that they would like to be just like their mom when they grow up. Well, Liam is getting a head start (see what we did there?). The young boy shares a unique trait with his mother, Simone, that has clearly been passed down through genes.
It may seem like the loving pair go to the same salon, but their black hair and white streaks are actually all-natural. It is the result of a genetic condition called Piebaldism which affects the melanin distribution in cells, as Medline Plus explained. And, in the case of these two, it left a light patch known as a white forelock.
Strawberry Child
From a distance, it may appear as though a large lipsticked kiss has just been placed on Layla’s forehead. Upon closer inspection, however, it is apparent that the little one has a red-tinted birthmark which occurs in about 10% of the population and typically appears within a month after birth.
Known by the medical terms “capillary hemangioma” and “strawberry nevus,” it is essentially a collection of blood vessels that formed a benign vascular tumor. As such, the birthmark is actually harmless and disappears by the age of nine in 90 to 95 percent of cases.
Selfie-Spotter
It takes courage for people to feel entirely comfortable in their own skin, but this guy is proving that it’s possible. Marcus proudly posts selfies on his Instagram page that show lighter spots on his face and other parts of his body that are caused by vitiligo.
The German native is amongst the 0.5% of the world’s population that has the genetic condition. Vitiligo results in patches that lack pigmentation. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can be hereditary or a condition of the immune system and occurs when cells that produce melanin stop functioning.