A mother has spoken out after strangers mistook her toddler's laser treatment for a rare birthmark as signs of abuse. Deanna Latino, 32, from the US, says she has faced dirty looks and unsolicited comments since her daughter Bianca was born with a port wine stain covering half her face.
Bianca, now 13 months old, was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare condition that has caused seizures, glaucoma and developmental delays. She began pulse dye laser treatment at three months old to prevent the birthmark from causing facial deformity and other complications.
The treatment leaves red spots resembling burn marks for up to two weeks, leading to public scrutiny. Deanna, a student nurse practitioner, said: 'Many times, people have asked if she's having an allergic reaction or feared she has measles because I'm an anti-vaccinator. The worst is when people give stares asking if I'm a good mother and if I hurt my child.'
To combat the negativity, the family calls Bianca their 'polka dot cutie', celebrating her resilience. Deanna hopes that by sharing their story, she can educate the public and reduce ignorance about the condition.
