Rare genetic disorder turns 10-year-old tribal girl’s skin into tree bark in Dantewada, central India
Add to Lightbox DownloadEXCLUSIVE: A 10-year-old girl suffering from a rare skin disorder is gradually turning into a stone. Scutes shaped as barks -- caused due to mutation of genes -- have spread all over her body. Rajeshwari, hailing from a tribal area in Dantewada district of north Indian state of Chhattisgarh suffers from a case of ichthyosis that causes reddening, scaling and severe blistering of the skin. The incurable disease affects the process of skin regeneration in the human body, making it hard and flaky. Visuals show a heart-wrenching sight of Rajeshwari sitting under a thatched hut with blisters almost covering her whole body. Though the disease doesn't pose any risk to her life, it has made a life 'a living hell'. The disease hinders her daily life, making even simple activities such as walking and sitting very painful. According to reports, the rare genetic condition affects very few people and till now only two dozen cases have been reported in the world. The rarity of the case makes research difficult and the medicine to control the incurable disease has severe side effects. For people residing in the Naxal infested area, availing simple health care is already a mean feat and Rajeshwari's condition requires her to travel to a big city which is difficult for the time being. when doctors were shown the patient's case file, few of them came forward to express their opinions and diagnosis. Speaking about her condition, Dr.Satyaki Ganguly, Associate Professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS), Raipur, said “ The medical term for this genetic disorder is Ichthyosis Psoriasis and due to very few cases in India, there has not been any major breakthrough in terms of research. Currently, science has no cure for this ailment.” Another dermatologist has another take on Rajeshwari’s case, Dr.Yash Upender from Dantewada Hospital believes that the girl suffers from Epidermolytic Ichthyosis which is not a life threatening disease but is still uncurable. Medication
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incurable disease Rare genetic disorder turns rare genetic condition affects case of ichthyosis tribal girl’s skin central India India Institute of Medical Sciences tree bark Associate Professor medical term heart-wrenching sight of Rajeshwari major breakthrough tribal area Rajeshwari's condition simple health care genetic disorder daily life 10-year-old girl simple activities mean feat rare skin disorder Dr.Satyaki Ganguly dozen cases people severe side effects
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- Rare genetic disorder turns 10-year-old tribal girl’s skin into tree bark - 17 Jan 2020

