16-year-old Iqbal Sheikh spends most of his life in a pond due to a rare condition. Now, the teen has been airlifted to Mumbai for specialist treatment.
For years, Iqbal Sheikh, from Murshidabad in West Bengal, India, has spent much of his waking time submerged in a pond. The reason behind this is a mystery condition that causes a painful burning sensation on his skin whenever he’s out of the water, as well as dizziness and blurred vision. The cold water seems to be the only thing that brings him relief.
His family has been searching for answers for a very long time, consulting doctors as well as traditional healers in an effort to determine what is causing the burning sensation. But unfortunately, no one has been able to properly diagnose him yet.
Spent years in a pond
Now, however, he’s been airlifted to Mumbai’s Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital for specialist treatment.
A while back, footage of the teenage boy started circulating online, bringing attention to Iqbal’s condition. Indian billionaire Anant Ambani came across the videos and learned about the case, and decided to step in to fund his care.
Medical experts are now reviewing his case, and doctors have also reportedly raised concerns about the fact that he’s been submerged in the water for so long. One dermatologist at SSKM Hospital said that prolonged exposure to water can make the skin more vulnerable to infection, cracks, and irritation, according to UNILAD. Another doctor said it might increase the risk of both bacterial and fungal infections.
What is erythromelalgia?
Doctors treating Iqbal now suspect he could be suffering from erythromelalgia – a skin condition that causes episodes of burning pain, warmth and redness in the skin.
According to Cleveland Clinic, “it may be tempting to soak the affected area in ice water, but ice baths can make erythromelalgia symptoms worse. It can also put you at risk for skin issues like nonhealing wounds and necrosis that are difficult to treat.”
Erythromelalgia has not been confirmed as Iqbal’s diagnosis, and doctors will need to determine what is actually causing his symptoms. If doctors determine that he has the condition, treatment usually includes medication taken by mouth, while lidocaine infusions, nutritional supplements, pain management therapies and certain creams may also help, according to Cleveland Clinic.
For now, Iqbal’s family is finally getting the specialist medical attention they have spent years searching for. His case will now be investigated further as doctors work to determine what is behind the painful symptoms that have kept the 16-year-old submerged in a pond for much of his life.
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