Louise Redknapp's heart-breaking health struggles including 'worst doctor had seen'

Louise Redknapp rose to prominence as a member of girl group Eternal before marrying England midfielder Jamie Redknapp in the 1990s. However, at the peak of her career, she struggled with a skin condition that medical professionals described as the "worst they've seen in a long time".

Louise, who celebrates her 51st birthday today, reveals she was diagnosed with hyperpigmentation during childhood. The condition occurs when certain areas of the skin become darker due to increased melanin production.

It can cause dark patches or circles to appear on the body. Louise explains her hyperpigmentation reached its most severe point in her twenties, shortly after welcoming her eldest son Charley, whom she shares with former husband Jamie.

She recalls experiencing significant self-esteem problems whenever the condition would worsen. Speaking to the ECHO, Louise recalled: "I said that I looked like I had the world map on my face.

"The pigmentation that I suffered with after having my first child saw one dermatologist say it was the worst they had seen in a really long time. And it really affected my confidence, because on one hand, I was so happy having this gorgeous baby, and on the other hand, I didn't know what I was going to do with my face."

The mother-of-two explained that confidence struggles meant she found it difficult to be present in the moment. She continued: "There's been lots of times in life that maybe being worried about how I looked has held me back from really living in the moment and enjoying things.

"Every moment being on the beach, worrying that somebody might take a picture of you from an unflattering angle. I spent most of my holidays lying flat in the hope that no one would spot me."

Louise encouraged anyone