Brandi Glanville’s Two-Year Health Mystery: Hope After Disfigurement

Brandi Glanville, reality TV star and author best known for her role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has faced an agonizing two-year battle with a mysterious facial condition that left her physically and emotionally scarred. Her journey, filled with unanswered questions and medical speculation, is now turning toward hope as new insights emerge.

Glanville is finally gaining clarity in her ongoing health struggle, which has left her with facial disfigurement for nearly two years. The 52-year-old reality star shared a hopeful update on July 29 on X, expressing gratitude to Dr. Michael R. Scoma, an infectious disease and immunology specialist in New York City, for his efforts in treating her condition. “I’m finally getting answers,” Glanville wrote, adding that she “can’t wait to live again” and resume normal activities like socializing and dating.

Glanville’s health issues began in July 2023, following a filming trip for Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip in Morocco. She suspects her condition stems from consuming contaminated food, notably the meat left out for hours during the shoot.

Underscoring the prolonged and mysterious nature of her symptoms. She also experienced swelling and speech difficulties, which she attributes to a possible facial parasite. She described what she believed to be a parasite sensation, likening it to “tiny bubbles bursting” or “having babies” in her skin.

The condition has forced her into isolation, spending over $113,000 on medical consultations and treatments without a definitive diagnosis until recently. Glanville began working with Dr. Scoma in mid-2025, marking a potential turning point in her journey.

Dr. Terry Dubrow, known from Botched, has also been involved in Glanville’s care. He has suggested her symptoms might result from a bacterial infection or fungal issue rather than a parasite. In January, Dubrow performed four biopsies on her face and neck to investigate further. On March 5, Glanville shared on Instagram that the biopsies ruled out cancer, but cultures require six weeks to yield results, potentially confirming a bacterial infection that could take a six-to-twelve-month course of antibiotics to treat. Dubrow warned that untreated, the condition could worsen, leading to scarring or nodules, describing it as a “ticking time bomb.”

Facial infections or post-travel illnesses are not uncommon and often difficult to diagnose—especially when involving exotic pathogens.

In an attempt to self-treat what she suspected was a skin parasite, Glanville recently applied Nair, a chemical hair removal cream, to her face. The cream caused immediate and severe burns, leading to further facial damage. On August 3, she shared images of the injuries on social media and admitted that the decision was a “stupid” mistake driven by desperation. She later stated that she was attempting to "kill the parasite" herself after feeling like her symptoms were not being taken seriously.

Following the burn, Glanville consulted again with medical professionals, including Dr. Scoma, who advised further testing. While no definitive diagnosis of a parasite has been made, she continues to undergo evaluation. In a recent update, she said she was recovering and emphasized that she is “in good hands now.”

Glanville’s emotional and financial toll has been significant. She told US Weekly in April that she feels insecure and disconnected from her former self, missing social interactions and her vibrant personality as a Scorpio. Her sons, Mason, 22, and Jake, 18, whom she shares with ex-husband Eddie Cibrian, have supported her through the ordeal, expressing frustration at the lack of answers. “They’re like, ‘It’s two years … this is crazy, Mom,’” Glanville said, noting their encouragement despite her struggles.

While Glanville awaits final biopsy results, her work with Dr. Scoma marks a hopeful chapter. She eagerly anticipates recovery, expressing on X her desire to resume normal life, including restoring her dental health, gaining weight, and returning to dating. Dr. Scoma responded to her post, expressing gratitude for her trust and optimism for her recovery. As Glanville continues her medical journey, she remains focused on reclaiming her life after two years of uncertainty.

(Rh/Eth/MKB/MSM/SE)