Latest news with #congenitalnaevus
News.com.au
15-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Toddler nicknamed ‘Mickey Mouse' has incredible transformation
A young boy in China, once cruelly nicknamed 'Mickey Mouse' because of large, balloon-like skin growths on his head, has made a remarkable recovery following treatment for a rare skin condition. The three-year-old, known as Qibao, was born in Fujian province with several large, dark moles across his scalp – symptoms of a rare condition called congenital naevus. The condition stems from an overgrowth of pigment-producing skin cells and can have a lasting impact not just on a child's appearance, but also on their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Doctors in Shanghai proposed surgery to remove the moles, but first, Qibao's skin had to be expanded to provide enough tissue to close the wounds post-removal. His family documented the process, sharing video clips of Qibao before surgery with noticeable swelling on both sides of his head – an image that sadly led to the cruel nickname. Five months later, the transformation is extraordinary. Surgeons have successfully completed the procedure, and Qibao is now free of the large moles. Post-surgery footage shows the cheerful toddler, head wrapped in bandages, playing in the hospital nursery. His mother, Ms. Chen, reflected on the difficult journey and the hurtful comments from other children saying, 'We wiped away our tears and kept moving forward.' Qibao's bravery has resonated with many on Chinese social media. One Douyin (TikTok China) user wrote, 'This child is so courageous, and so is his mother. I cried watching this.' 'I was teased for my looks too – this really hit home,' said another. 'He looks so happy now. This shows what love and medicine can do,' added a third. Congenital naevus affects about one per cent of newborns, but in most cases, the marks are much smaller and often referred to as 'brown birthmarks.' These moles tend to grow with the child, and for larger cases, surgery is typically required. If surgery isn't feasible, alternative treatments such as laser therapy or dermabrasion – a method that resurfaces the skin – may be used to reduce pigmentation and smooth the skin's appearance.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Parents of boy cruelly nicknamed 'Mickey Mouse' over giant growths caused by treatment for rare skin condition share their joy as he makes amazing transformation
A three-year-old boy once cruelly dubbed 'Mickey Mouse' over giant 'ears' caused by treatment for a rare skin condition has shown off his amazing recovery. The youngster, named only as Qibao, was born in Fujian province, southern China, with several giant, dark-coloured moles covering his skull. The condition, medically known as congenital naevus, is primarily caused by an abnormal overgrowth of pigment-producing cells in the skin that can affect not only a child's appearance, but also their mental well-being and overall quality of life. Surgeons in Shanghai told his family they could remove them but said little Qibao would have to have his skin stretched before the the surgery so they could cover the gaps. Pre-operation video footage shared on social media by Qibao's family shows the large balloon-like newly-grown skin on both sides of his head that triggered his heartbreaking nickname. Now, five months after the treatment began, surgeons have declared Qibao's treatment a complete success after the removal of the moles. His mother, named as Ms Chen, talking about how other children mocked her son, said: 'We wiped away our tears and moved forward.' Post-operation video footage shows Qibao with his head swathed in bandages playing happily in the hospital's nursery. Qibao's condition is primarily caused by an abnormal overgrowth of pigment-producing cells in the skin Qibao's courage touched the hearts of social media users across China. One wrote on Douyin, China's version of TikTok: 'This boy is so brave and so is his mum. I cried watching this.' Another said: 'I used to get teased too for how I looked. This really hit me.' And another Douyin user said: 'He looks so happy now. This is the power of medicine and love.' Around one per cent of babies are born with congenital nevus. However, they are often much smaller and are sometimes called 'brown birthmarks' by medics. They get bigger as children age. Treatment is usually surgery to remove the blemish, but full-thickness grafts may be required for large growths. If surgery is not possible due to the size, location or thickness of the blemish, laser therapy may help to reduce pigmentation. Dermabrasion may also be used. This involves resurfacing the skin so it grows back smoother.
