2-year-old Michal Winter is always mistaken for a doll due to his rare condition that causes his skin to shed daily.
The young boy, who was born with thick scales of skin, has harlequin ichthyosis (HI).
His photos during a stay in the hospital reveal how his tight skin caused his lips and eyelids to turn inside out.
Michal was diagnosed with HT and doctors warned he could die within the first several weeks of life as he was vulnerable to possible infections.
He managed to exceed doctors’ expectations but he will need constant care as his skin can crack. His loving mom, Anna Ciesielska, has to apply moisturizer on him every 4 hours.
Michal’s condition makes it difficult for him to move without his skin breaking. This also means the sun can easily give him burns.
Strangers are shocked to find out Michal is a real boy and internet users mock his appearance online, said Ms. Ciesielska.
“People will come up to me and ask what happened to him and if they can help,” said Ms. Ciesielska. “I was in a shop and someone came up to us and was staring at Michal and asked if he was a doll.
“When Michal moved he was totally surprised, they were surprised he was a real boy.
“When we go out people stare at us, their jaws drop. Sometimes a person will see a photo of him online and message me saying he looks like a doll, it really upsets me.”
She added: “Michal is a perfectly normal boy with a wonderful nature. He just has this skin condition.”
Doctors told Ms. Ciesielska that her son may not survive as babies with the condition can develop life-threatening infections and experience dehydration.
“It was a huge shock. I thought I was going to have a healthy baby. Not even the doctors at first knew what was wrong with him,” she expressed.
“Despite that, he’s such a happy and smiley child. He’s overcome so much and despite the challenges he faces he’s such a happy and loving child.”
Ms. Ciesielska follows a strict routine to prevent Michal’s skin from cracking. She applies creams every four hours to keep his skin protected and also gives him a special bath daily.
In addition, she has to make sure rooms are not too cold or too hot for Michael.
“It’s a big challenge. You have to keep him at the right temperature all the time. We’ve had so much help and support from people and I’m so grateful,” she expressed.
“He loves meeting people and being out in the world, he has a passion for life.”
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