The 20-Year-Old With Butterfly Skin | BORN DIFFERENT

A YOUNG woman with a skin condition so painful it’s been likened to third degree burns is showing the world she is just like everyone else – despite cruel comments from strangers. Ariana Covarrubias, 20, from Los Angeles, was born with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, commonly known as EB. The condition is caused by a lack of protein which makes the skin incredibly fragile and she has spent much of her life covering up her body due to strangers telling her she looked burnt or abused. Ariana told Truly: “From a very young age I had to deal with very rude comments – I want people to realise that yes I have EB and it affects me every single day, but I am still living my life.” The most affected parts of Ariana’s body, which are her feet and arms, must be covered up at all times to avoid tearing the skin. In 2007, Ariana went through an incredibly traumatic experience which resulted in her being put on a feeding tube. Blistering and scarring in her oesophagus meant it became too narrow for food and even saliva. Now, Ariana only uses her feeding tube to administer medicine, but she still has mixed feelings about it. Her inability to dress like girls her age is something Ariana has had to deal with throughout her whole life. As she’s gotten older, Ariana has found her inner self-confidence through sharing her experiences on social media, but she still has to endure stares and cruel remarks from strangers.