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Embracing yourself and coming to terms with your appearance can take years. But some people are born with genes that make them stand out even more than us regular folks. Because of this, getting through the day can be a lot harder. That's why it's so awesome to see those who aren't hiding and are confident in their skin.

So we at Bored Panda decided to expand on our earlier publications (this one and this one) and compile a new list of pictures posted by folks with unusual and rare body features. Like pear-shaped pupils. Or abnormally long arms. Despite the challenges these people face, they choose to live their lives with a positive attitude. And that's something to be celebrated.

Genes are hereditary information units that organisms pass down to new generations. Genes contain coded information for the production of proteins that enable cells to function. An organism’s entire collection of genes is called its genome.

The human genome, for example, contains somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000 genes. We resemble the people in our family because our genes are more similar to their genes than they are to those of strangers.

On the other hand, your genes are more similar to the genes of all other humans than they are to the genes of a different kind of organism, such as a rabbit. That being said, humans resemble chimpanzees because we share nearly 99 percent of the same genes.

#3

I Have Vitiligo And Heterochromia

I Have Vitiligo And Heterochromia

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#4

My Dad Has Something Called A Bifid Thumb Or Pre-Axial Polydactyly. About 1 Out Every 1000 Babies Have It. This Was The Thumb Of Our Uber Delivery Guy

My Dad Has Something Called A Bifid Thumb Or Pre-Axial Polydactyly. About 1 Out Every 1000 Babies Have It. This Was The Thumb Of Our Uber Delivery Guy

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CalicoKitty
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I checked the stats and that is indeed what the hospital says, but apparently most people get surgery around 1 or 2 years old to remove one of the extra bits. So there are 26k people running around the country who may have once had thumbs like this! Cool.

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#5

This Little Girl's Big, Beautiful Eyes Are Due To A Rare Genetic Syndrome Called Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome

This Little Girl's Big, Beautiful Eyes Are Due To A Rare Genetic Syndrome Called Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome

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Lolly
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I'm sure with a mum who obviously loves her very much she will always know she is beautiful ❤️

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Heredity is a concept that humans have been aware of for thousands of years as we’ve cultivated crops and selectively bred animals.

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However, the first formal genetic study was undertaken by a monk named Gregor Mendel in the middle of the 19th century—Mendel bred peas and noticed he could cross-pollinate them in certain ways to get green or yellow seeds.

Nowadays, the field of genetics is breaking new ground searching for new ways to treat disease or develop crops more resistant to insects or drought.

#8

I Traced Around My Vitiligo Spots

I Traced Around My Vitiligo Spots

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Hatred Pony
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have vitiligo! Mine's segmental (around hands, joints, eyes, mouth and neck) and usually appears after an injury or because of stress. I never knew what it was until I became an adult, my family called it Maw-maw's disease because my great grandmother was the only other person that had it. She looked like a reverse giraffe in her old age, I can't wait. Vitiligo is uniquely beautiful. <3

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#9

Neonatal Progeria Or Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome. A Progressive Genetic Disorder That Causes Children To Age Rapidly, Starting In Their First Two Years Of Life

Neonatal Progeria Or Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome. A Progressive Genetic Disorder That Causes Children To Age Rapidly, Starting In Their First Two Years Of Life

eline_leonie_ , eline_leonie_ Report

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Hatred Pony
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These photos warmed my heart and made me smile. What a proud mom and precious baby!

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While genomes may differ greatly, the genes themselves are all built in the same way. A gene is a section of a long molecule called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), or—in some viruses—a similar molecule called ribonucleic acid (RNA).

DNA and RNA are made of building blocks called nucleotides. Each nucleotide is constructed around one of the four different subunits, called bases. These bases are known as guanine, cytosine, adenine, and thymine (in RNA thymine is replaced with uracil).

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A gene carries information in the sequence of its nucleotides, just as a sentence carries information in the sequence of its letters. Although most genes are made of DNA, the genes use RNA to make the proteins that are coded for in the DNA.

#10

Sectoral Heterochromia. People Always Comment On My Eyes, So I Thought I Should Post A Picture

Sectoral Heterochromia. People Always Comment On My Eyes, So I Thought I Should Post A Picture

M_for_Minion Report

#12

I Was Born With Naturally Pointed Ears

I Was Born With Naturally Pointed Ears

420MangoBonersXL Report

#13

Her Birthmark Created Awesome Highlights

Her Birthmark Created Awesome Highlights

DIYKnowNothing Report

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Lolly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter has this at the back of her head. Her hair is dark brown and her streak is grey. Looks stunning when she has her hair up

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Genes are located on threadlike structures called chromosomes in the cell nucleus (a chromosome itself is a long molecule of DNA with proteins attached). Each cell of an organism carries at least one chromosome. Many organisms, including humans, have numerous chromosomes in their cells.

To make a protein from a gene in DNA, a cell first builds a strand of RNA that copies the information from the DNA molecule. This process is called the transcription of a gene.

#14

I Had No Fingernails All My Life

I Had No Fingernails All My Life

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this one before and wondered if it was photoshopped, so I looked into it and yes, there is a condition where you're born with partial or no fingernails. It's called Anonychia!

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#15

I Have This Thing Called Raynaud’s Disease. This Happens Every Time I Get Cold

I Have This Thing Called Raynaud’s Disease. This Happens Every Time I Get Cold

Cyndakon2 Report

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Khara Mei
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same. They don't always go white though, sometimes bright red, sometimes with bright orange splotches, sometimes grey/blue.

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#16

Where's My White Lash Enjoyers At? Just Wanted To Remind Everyone We Are Beautiful Because/Despite Our Vitiligo

Where's My White Lash Enjoyers At? Just Wanted To Remind Everyone We Are Beautiful Because/Despite Our Vitiligo

deeno777 Report

#17

Both Of My Eyes Are Split Between Two Colors

Both Of My Eyes Are Split Between Two Colors

magivictus Report

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Disgruntled Pelican
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not sure if I'm more jealous of his hair or his eyes. He's just so handsome all the way around.

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Heather Amburgey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He looks like someone straight out of a historical romance novel 😍

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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a handsome young man. He looks like he should be in some epic fantasy series.

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Breezy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This gentleman is what i picture the beast from Beauty and the Beast to look like in his human form!

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Bored Marie
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He Looks Like a cool centaur (in a beautiful way dont get me wrong)

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okpkpkp
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My sis dated a guy with one blue and one brown eye. I liked him bc he'd always drag me along to the Fillmore Auditorium with them.

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Sherry Miller
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

SO HANSOM AND YOUR EYES ARE BEAUTIFUL. Does your drivers license say blue/green

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LSR
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very attractive man. Looks like Don Drapper with long hair.

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Susan Mercurio
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have you thought about applying for a job as Aragorn? You're perfect for the part.

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Alison Welles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A handsome man with a mysterious vibe. Irresistible...use it wisely!

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Josh
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This man is a fantasy protagonist. Sectoral heterochromia with a jawline that can cut glass?! It just ain't even fair at that point!

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Seth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I've seen this guy before, only he was wearing a ruffled, deep v-necked shirt, and standing near a cliff's edge while being billowed by strong winds.

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Jeff Bunn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How many personalities do you have?? Only kidding, my friend.

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Lish
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is one of the most beautiful men I've ever seen.

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Enso
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always just assume eyes are weird and colorful I never even notice a difference until someone points it out. Except for oddly shaped pupil or white lashes

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The cell then uses the message in the RNA strand to build a protein molecule. This process is called the translation of a gene.

Only about one percent of our DNA is in protein-coding genes. The other 99 percent is noncoding DNA. Geneticists do not know the purpose of all this noncoding DNA, but they believe at least some of it is necessary for the proper functioning of cells, especially in controlling gene functions.

#18

Stef Sanjati Was Born With A Rare Condition Called Waardenburg Syndrome. It Is A Genetic Mutation Which Gives The Individual Wide-Set Eyes

Stef Sanjati Was Born With A Rare Condition Called Waardenburg Syndrome. It Is A Genetic Mutation Which Gives The Individual Wide-Set Eyes

stef.sanjati Report

#19

Twin Girls Have Achondroplasia. This Genetic Disorder Is Characterized By A Large Head, Short Arms And Legs, Short Stature, Prominent Forehead, And Flat Nasal Bridge

Twin Girls Have Achondroplasia. This Genetic Disorder Is Characterized By A Large Head, Short Arms And Legs, Short Stature, Prominent Forehead, And Flat Nasal Bridge

luggtwins Report

#20

I Have A Skin Condition Called Dermatographia Due To Which Lightly Scratching My Skin Causes Raised, Red Lines Where I've Scratched

I Have A Skin Condition Called Dermatographia Due To Which Lightly Scratching My Skin Causes Raised, Red Lines Where I've Scratched

Professional_Pen_330 Report

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Angela Turrall
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, I have this too, I have chronic urticaria also, and must take antihistamine daily, since then the Dermatographia has reduced, but still pops up occasionally.

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#21

I Have Abnormally Long Arms

I Have Abnormally Long Arms

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Falcon dimi
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have that also. I am 184cm and my ´wingspan´ is 200cm. Handy to get a quick measurment

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Genetic disorders occur when a mutation (a harmful change to a gene, also known as a pathogenic variant) affects our genes or when we have the wrong amount of genetic material.

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We receive half our genes from each biological parent and may inherit a gene mutation from one of them or both. Sometimes genes change due to issues within the DNA (mutations). This can raise our risk of having a genetic disorder. Some cause symptoms at birth, while others develop over time.

#22

Congenital Melanocytic Nevus. It Appears As A Circumscribed, Light Brown To Black Patch, Covering Any Size Surface Area And Any Part Of The Body

Congenital Melanocytic Nevus. It Appears As A Circumscribed, Light Brown To Black Patch, Covering Any Size Surface Area And Any Part Of The Body

libmolano Report

#23

Rare And Unique Genetic Condition Which Is Known As Waardenburg Syndrome. It Can Cause Hearing Loss And Changes In Coloring (Pigmentation) Of The Hair, Skin, And Eyes

Rare And Unique Genetic Condition Which Is Known As Waardenburg Syndrome. It Can Cause Hearing Loss And Changes In Coloring (Pigmentation) Of The Hair, Skin, And Eyes

geo.rock888 , geo.rock888 Report

#24

My Name Is Sara I Have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Classical And Dermatosparaxis)

My Name Is Sara I Have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Classical And Dermatosparaxis)

EDS is a connective tissue disorder that inhibits the body’s ability to produce collagen As a consequence, Geurts has skin that wrinkles prematurely and makes her look older than she is. 

sarageurts Report

#25

Hypertrichosis. Jesus Was Born With A Rare Genetic Mutation Called Hypertrichosis, Which Has Left Him With Excessive Hair Growth That Can Occur Anywhere On The Body

Hypertrichosis. Jesus Was Born With A Rare Genetic Mutation Called Hypertrichosis, Which Has Left Him With Excessive Hair Growth That Can Occur Anywhere On The Body

borndifferentshow Report

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Steven Allen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dunno if it's the same guy, but someone with this condition had shaved his face, and his kids cried because they didn't recognize him. Said he would never shave again

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Genetic disorders can be:

  • Chromosomal: This type affects the structures that hold your genes/DNA within each cell (chromosomes). With these conditions, people are missing or have duplicated chromosome material;
  • Complex (multifactorial): These disorders stem from a combination of gene mutations and other factors. They include chemical exposure, diet, certain medications, and tobacco or alcohol use;
  • Single-gene (monogenic): This group of conditions occurs from a single gene mutation.
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#26

Chimeras Are Organisms With Two Different Sets Of DNA. Human Chimerism Is Rare, But Its Characteristics Are: Two Distinct Red Blood Cell Lineages Or Skin Pigmentation

Chimeras Are Organisms With Two Different Sets Of DNA. Human Chimerism Is Rare, But Its Characteristics Are: Two Distinct Red Blood Cell Lineages Or Skin Pigmentation

taylormuhl Report

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Summer Mason
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have this on my tummy too. One sunburns and the other tans. Super cool to finally put a name to it.

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#27

This Toe, With It's Own Toe, Complete With It's Own Nail

This Toe, With It's Own Toe, Complete With It's Own Nail

vainamoinens-scythe Report

#28

Two Cowlicks In Different Directions

Two Cowlicks In Different Directions

spar13 Report

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Stoopham McFernybabes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Called a “double crown” - not all that uncommon (2/3 of my kids have them). Makes it hell to make their hair neat for school pictures!

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#29

I Have A Pear-Shaped Pupil

I Have A Pear-Shaped Pupil

GoblinQueen93 Report

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Stoopham McFernybabes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a condition known as “coloboma” which can cause this type of pupil irregularities. In the show “Vikings” there was a character, based on a real historical figure known as “Sigurd Snake-in-the-eye”. It has been hypothesised by historians that Sigurd had coloboma, giving him the snake-in-the-eye look and, hence, earning him his title.

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There is often little we can do to prevent a genetic disorder. But genetic counseling and testing can help us learn more about our risks.

If you have a family history of a genetic disorder, you may wish to consider genetic counseling to see if testing is appropriate for you. Lab tests can typically show whether you have gene mutations responsible for that condition. In many cases, carrying the mutation does not always mean you’ll end up with it. 

#31

Was Born With Some Extra Skin On My Ear, So I Figured It Had To Be Done

Was Born With Some Extra Skin On My Ear, So I Figured It Had To Be Done

Dovetrail Report

#32

Shilah Madison Was Born With A Condition Because Of Which Her Hair Constantly Stands Up

Shilah Madison Was Born With A Condition Because Of Which Her Hair Constantly Stands Up

The "Uncomfortable hair syndrome" is quite painful and the hair often breaks off from the roots, explains her mother.

shilahmadison Report

#33

There's A Tooth In My Chin

There's A Tooth In My Chin

super9mega Report

#34

Bam Syndrome Is A Rare Genetic Disorder In Which Children Are Born With A Small Nose Or No Nose At All. Also, They May Have Problems With Vision And Their Eyes

Bam Syndrome Is A Rare Genetic Disorder In Which Children Are Born With A Small Nose Or No Nose At All. Also, They May Have Problems With Vision And Their Eyes

todospormariajoana Report

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Susan S
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, she had a tracheotomy to enable her to still breath while eating, I assume. I wonder if she has mucus issues when she cries since her nose is tiny or not there?

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#35

Here’s A Picture Of The Hand I Was Born With

Here’s A Picture Of The Hand I Was Born With

Numerous-Parfait-170 Report

#36

Interesting Iris Pattern (It Doesn’t Affect Vision)

Interesting Iris Pattern (It Doesn’t Affect Vision)

Frostysorbet Report

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#37

Congenital Melanocytic Nevus Is Visible Pigmented Spots On The Skin Present At Birth. They Usually Are Brown, Tan, Pink, Or Black. Some Moles Produce Dark, Coarse Hair

Congenital Melanocytic Nevus Is Visible Pigmented Spots On The Skin Present At Birth. They Usually Are Brown, Tan, Pink, Or Black. Some Moles Produce Dark, Coarse Hair

_jirehjoy_ Report

#39

I Had Identical Twin Girls, And One Ear On One Of The Baby Is An Elf Ear

I Had Identical Twin Girls, And One Ear On One Of The Baby Is An Elf Ear

Glit_1995 Report

#40

A Photo A Friend Took A While Back Of My Eyes Which Shows My Rare Eye Condition, Double Coloboma (Of The Iris And Retina). I Have This In Both Eyes

A Photo A Friend Took A While Back Of My Eyes Which Shows My Rare Eye Condition, Double Coloboma (Of The Iris And Retina). I Have This In Both Eyes

Red_Wolfe_ Report

#41

I Was Born With A Hole At The Top Of My Ear That Used To “Cry” When I Cried As A Baby

I Was Born With A Hole At The Top Of My Ear That Used To “Cry” When I Cried As A Baby

l_bb0 Report

#42

I Have Somewhat Long Thumbs

I Have Somewhat Long Thumbs

LillyWhiteArt Report

#43

My Girlfriend's Birthmark In Her Eye

My Girlfriend's Birthmark In Her Eye

RobienStPierre Report

#44

None Of My Fingers (Or Toes) Have Middle Knuckles, And It's Hereditary

None Of My Fingers (Or Toes) Have Middle Knuckles, And It's Hereditary

Silence31603 Report

#45

I Have Skeeter Syndrome (Allergic To Mosquito Salvia)

I Have Skeeter Syndrome (Allergic To Mosquito Salvia)

sphynxlover1 Report

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Pam
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I have never heard of this. I hope it’s not too painful.

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#46

My Hands After Washing The Dishes For 20 Minutes

My Hands After Washing The Dishes For 20 Minutes

TheProjectAlexander Report

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Khara Mei
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this post on reddit before. This level of wrinkling in that timespan is a known indicator for someone who has or is carrying the gene for cystic fibrosis.

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#48

I Have Muscle Hypertrophy (Muscles Grow Big Without Exercise). I Got Botox In My Jaw Yesterday Because Of This

I Have Muscle Hypertrophy (Muscles Grow Big Without Exercise). I Got Botox In My Jaw Yesterday Because Of This

South_Pea_8017 Report

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Karen Harris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter had such big muscles that she ended up needing to go to physical therapy as they were so tight she couldn’t stand up straight. The doctor said she had hypertrophy. She is perfectly normal, but built like a gymnast with cut muscles. She was 10 at the time. She is also the fastest girl I have ever seen.

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#50

Fell Asleep On A Chair. I Apparently Have Remarkably Level Shoulders

Fell Asleep On A Chair. I Apparently Have Remarkably Level Shoulders

frysinatoren Report

Note: this post originally had 126 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.