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Chandra WisnuAn Indonesian man whose whole body is covered with tumors that look like blisters
Country:
 Indonesia |
Content:
- Chandra Vishnu: The Man Covered in Blisters
- Struggling to Find Treatment
- A Life of Isolation
- A Supportive Family
- A Similar Case
Chandra Vishnu: The Man Covered in Blisters
Chandra Vishnu, a 57-year-old man from Indonesia, has gained the nickname "Bubble Man" due to the horrifying blisters that cover his entire body. He is a father of four and suffers from a rare skin condition that causes tumors to grow all over his body. This pathological change started when Chandra was just 19 years old, with the growth of blister-like tumors on his face. By the time he turned 32, there was no part of his body left unaffected. As a result, Chandra has become a recluse, rarely leaving his home.
Struggling to Find Treatment
When his condition first began, Chandra's parents took him to various specialists, including dermatologists, who were shocked by the severity of his condition but could not find a way to help him. Doctors believe that Chandra's disease is genetic and could have been triggered by nerve system disorders, which caused the benign tumors to grow on his skin and bones. Unfortunately, there has been no specific treatment for Chandra's condition, and he has had to accept his situation. He once said, "There is no definite treatment for my condition. I was just sent from one dermatologist to another because no one knew what to do with me. Since then, my father has lost confidence in seeking medical help, and I have only been to the doctor once."
A Life of Isolation
Chandra's strange disease has greatly impacted his lifestyle. He mentioned that his tumors itch and become painful in hot weather. To prevent itching and hide from society's gaze, he always wears dark glasses and layers his body with three jackets and a hood. People rarely mocked him directly, but they would stare or avoid him. Being treated differently by most people has made him feel insecure and angry. Many people are frightened, thinking that Chandra carries some contagious disease. He tries not to leave his house but still picks up his daughter Hasunnas from school. He usually covers his face, not wanting his daughter's friends to laugh at her or make fun of her "scary-faced" father.
A Supportive Family
Chandra's wife, 33-year-old Tri Nani Hariani, witnessed firsthand the unpleasant transformations her husband went through. He even told her to leave him and never come back. However, she refused, believing that his perseverance in life despite the changes in his appearance showed great strength, not weakness. Chandra finally decided to open himself up to the world, hoping to find help. The main reason for exposing himself to public scrutiny was his concern for his children. His eldest son, 33-year-old Ananda Martin, and his daughter, 26-year-old Lisa Chandra, have started showing symptoms of the same condition as their father. Chandra said, "I have never taken my children to the doctor to check for the disease because we could not afford the expensive medical bills. Currently, they only have a few small tumors, but there are concerns that things could get worse. If there is a chance to receive free treatment, I will take it. For now, my family is my medicine, which I desperately need."
A Similar Case
Chandra's case bears resemblance to that of Dede Koswara, a resident of West Java, who was dubbed "The Tree Man" after his body became covered in tree bark-like growths. In 2007, Dede underwent surgery to remove around 6kg of growths, but they continued to regrow.
