Rare skin disease forces boy to be wrapped up in tissue paper

Eight-year-old Song Liuchen from a village in Henan, China, has been suffering from epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a skin disease, since he was born.

Those suffering from the condition have very fragile skin which blisters and festers after being touched.

EB is a rare disease and babies who are diagnosed with the congenital condition usually do not survive beyond their second birthday.

Under his parents' tender care, Song has been struggling with the painful condition for eight years.

To prevent blood from seeping out from his skin lesions, the boy's mother wraps tissue paper over parts of his body.

Despite his painful condition, Song attends school everyday and is said to be an exceptional student.

However, Chinese media recently reported that the boy's condition is deteriorating and that he requires more help.

Staff from the local government and many warm-hearted people have stepped forward to donate money and Song's family has since received more than 230,000 yuan (S$49,500).