16-Year-Old Boy Spends Years in Pond Because His Body Feels Like It Is Burning

A West Bengal teenager who spent years living in ponds because of unbearable burning pain has finally been taken to Mumbai for specialised treatment.

A 16-year-old boy from Beldanga in Murshidabad, West Bengal, has become the centre of attention after videos showed him spending most of his time inside a pond because of a rare and painful medical condition.

Iqbal Sheikh says that whenever he comes out of the water, he feels a severe burning sensation all over his body. He says the pain reduces only when he goes back into the water.

For nearly five years, Iqbal has reportedly spent most of his time in ponds. According to reports, he once stayed in a pond for around five days continuously, while local people brought him food to eat as he sat in the water.

The condition has also affected his health. His skin has become pale from staying in water for long periods, and he has developed cold and cough symptoms. Doctors have warned that remaining in water for so long can lead to skin damage and infections.

Reports say Iqbal has been diagnosed with Anhidrosis (inability to sweat normally), Tinea (a fungal skin infection), Hansen's disease (leprosy), and Erythromelalgia, a rare condition that can cause burning pain, redness and increased skin temperature.

His family had tried to get medical treatment earlier but could not afford specialised care. After his story went viral, Anant Ambani stepped in to help.

Iqbal was taken from West Bengal to Mumbai by air ambulance and is now being evaluated at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, where doctors are trying to understand his condition and decide the best treatment.

A doctor from Ghaziabad, Dr. Brajpal Tyagi, had also offered to treat Iqbal free of cost after watching the viral videos. However, he later learned that Iqbal had already been shifted to Mumbai for specialised treatment.

After spending years living in water because of unbearable pain, Iqbal and his family now hope that proper medical care will finally help improve his condition.