'Tree Man' May Be Cured

An Indonesian fisherman who feared that he would be killed by tree-like growths covering his body has been given hope of recovery by an American doctor - and Vitamin A.

Dede, now 35, baffled medical experts when warty "roots" began growing out of his arms and feet after he cut his knee in a teenage accident. The condition quickly prevented him from working or completing household chores. To make matter worse, his wife deserted him and left him to care for their two children in poverty.

But now an American dermatology expert who flew out to Dede's home village south of the capital Jakarta claims to have identified his condition, and proposed a treatment that could transform his life.

Read the remainder here. Warning, some images are rather unsettling.

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Wasn't there an earlier article here about real Jackalopes(sp)? It's the same type of virus. That's so sad for that man and his family. Yes, GOD bless that Dr. for going there. I think I'd be scared. Hope the guy gets some relief.
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I saw a post about this condition on boingboing back in March. Here's a link to some unsettling images of the papilloma virus affecting rabbits (in case anyone wants more gross imagery)

http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/jacksforreal.html
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I recall an earlier post about a man in Eastern Europe (?) with a similar condition. He was being treated by a missionary (?), who was gradually abrading off the growths. I don't know if this person, or his caregivers, are aware of the link to HPV.

The linked article shows a photo of the man wearing a shirt. My first thought was: "How did he get those hands into the sleeves?"
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I saw someone with a similar condition when I was younger begging in the streets of Saudi Arabia, it looked like he had mushrooms growing out of his body. Very sad.
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