Photo Special: Dede Koswara – Tree Man

Tree Man Dede Koswara

Dede Koswara, commonly known as ‘Tree man’, suffers from a rare genetic problem with his immune system making it unable to fight the HPV infection or Human Papilloma Virus.

This causes his body to produce tree-like warts mostly on his arms and legs.

In August 2008 Dede underwent surgery to remove 6kg (13 pounds) of warts from his body. Some 95% of the warts covering his body were removed but the warts continually return, and he will need regular operations for the rest of his life to keep them at bay.

Here are 12 recent photographs taken at his home village in Bandung, Java, Indonesia that highlight his harrowing condition.