Snake Boy” Ari Wibowo (16 years old), from Indonesia, has been diagnosed with a rare condition that causes his entire body’s skin to peel off and become extremely dry. Since birth, Ari has to constantly soak himself in water and apply moisturizing cream every 3 hours to prevent his skin from drying out further. If moisture is not provided in time, Ari’s body will contract and become stiff. At that point, he becomes like a wax figure and cannot move. Furthermore, wrinkles will form inside his mouth, causing him to lose blood.
Ari has been diagnosed with Erythroderma, a rare inflammatory skin condition that causes his entire body’s skin to peel and flake like snake skin. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but the doctors there lacked the necessary conditions to treat his condition.
Photographer Nurcholis Anhari Lubis (35 years old) captured photographs of “Snake Boy” as material for a project. The photographer shared with the Daily Mail: “The boy was born different, with thick scales like snake skin all over his body. From his head to his toes, Ari’s skin keeps peeling. Despite that, Ari eats and drinks normally. His favorite food is instant noodles and biscuits.”
To keep Ari alive, his family has to take turns caring for him every day. Although Ari is trying hard to integrate into normal life, he faces difficulties in making friends. Occasionally, Ari plays with other children in the village, but most people avoid him due to his unusual appearance.
