Abul Bajandar is a 28 year-old father from Bangladesh who has spent years suffering from “tree man” syndrome.

Abul suffers from a rare skin disorder called  (EV), which caused his hands and feet grew foot-long “roots” that left him unable to feed himself, move around, work or wear normal clothes. Three years ago, he became a viral sensation as he underwent a series of invasive surgeries to remove the “bark” from his hands and feet.

The condition is caused by a defect that is in the immune system, and it’s symptoms are extreme wart-like growths all over the body. In addition, the condition increases one’s susceptibility to HPV, or human papillomavirus, which often leads to infection, skin lesions and an increased risk of developing melanoma. The condition is so rare that only 200 cases have been reported in the world.

Abul has suffered from EV for over twenty years, and doctors said that after 25 unsuccessful operations, he has refused to return for further treatment.

“It’s a complicated case and we were making progress, but he left to go home. I requested him many times to come back, but he didn’t,” explained Dr. Samanta Lal Sen, co-ordinator at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.

While there is currently no cure for EV, cryotherapy, topical creams and retinoids can be prescribed to help remove the growths.

“I want to live like a normal person,” Abul said. “I just want to be able to hold my daughter properly and hug her.”