58-year-old lives in isolation, branded as 'bark man' in China — Here's why

A 58-year-old man suffers from an incurable condition which makes his skin appear as rough as bark.

Photo Credit: AsiaWire

New Delhi: A 58-year-old man named Li Xitian from China has been living with bizarre disorder for nearly six decades.

He suffers from an incurable skin condition which makes his skin appear as rough as bark.

According to a report in Daily Mail, Li Xitian has been branded as 'Bark Man' by his neighbours because his body cracks as the thick skin spreads all over, just like the tree bark. They have even made him live in isolation fearing that they will become infected and to prevent the spread of the condition.

As per the reports, the condition was apparently triggered by a hairdresser in the 1950s, who accidentally cut Li's scalp and released a mysterious pus. Since then the strange condition has spread from his head down to his back and even his legs.

Reports suggest that he is suffering from an extreme cases of psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.

Though there is no cure for the disease, but a range of treatments can improve symptoms and the appearance of skin patches.

The 58-year-old told Daily Mail that he has been up and down the country in search of a cure, and doctors have only been able to help him manage his symptoms.

Experts also have not been able to find a link between his condition and his odd 'hairdresser theory'.

Local government is funding his expenses and hope the public can provide more resources for Li Xitian so that he can live a more comfortable life.