Saudi baby with huge birthmark gets treatment in Dubai

Aleen Al Hanif at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital in Dubai.

The reach of social media is working miracles these days, as it did in connecting baby Aleen Al Hanif with the American Academy Cosmetic Surgery Hospital (AACSH) in Dubai. The hospital has taken up the case of the one-and-a-half year old girl child from Saudi Arabia, who suffers from a giant congenital nevus on her body.
The big birthmark covers the entire right side of her body, with the skin entirely black and covered in hair.
In a touching gesture, the hospital is sponsoring her entire treatment and taking care of Aleen's family's stay in the UAE as well.
Dr Jeehan Abdul Qadir, Executive Chairperson, AACSH, said: "The baby's pictures were posted by her father on a social networking website; because I have dealt with such cases in the past, my followers pointed me to this case. We then decided to have a look at the baby."
The hospital team checked out the extensive birthmark covering Aleen's entire right side, starting from the scalp, to her arm, the upper chest, part of the abdomen, a few patches on her legs and even a few spots on her face.
Noting that this is a rare and challenging case, Dr. Mohan Rangaswami, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon, AACSH, said: "This case poses lots of challenges as we don't see a sufficient amount of normal skin on her body. It's rare to have such a huge birthmark, but it is common in the Middle East compared to other parts of the world. I have seen four similar cases in the last three years."
The doctors say it is better to start the treatment early, as baby skin is flexible and also to avoid the psychological issues that would arise in an older child. But they are unable to predict the duration of the treatment; aiming to take it step by step, the doctors say it might take a few years.
Baby Aleen's father Faisal Al Hanif thanked AACSH for their help and support. He said: "I just pray for my child's health and safety. I am thankful to the Saudi Government, the higher authorities, the hospital and to everyone showing such concern for my child". Baby Aleen was also surprised with a special visit by a Dubai-based TV presenter and media influencer Lojain Omran.
What is giant congenital nevus?
It is dark coloured, hairy patch of skin. A birth defect or a developmental problem, it's caused by the problems that develop when the foetus is growing in the womb. The condition may occur with the growth of fatty tissue cell - Neurofibromatosis (an inherited skin pigment issue) or Spina bifida (a spinal birth defect). Smaller nevi are common in children, whereas larger or giant nevi are rare.
ankita@khaleejtimes.com