A 12-year-old from India suffers from osteoporosis - a multisystem skeletal disease characterized by a decrease in bone strength and an increased risk of fractures, which has so far broken about 100 of his bones in his short life - the New York Times reports.
The disease causes the bones to disintegrate faster than they can be rebuilt, so they become so fragile that any slight fall can cause them to break.
Rohit, 12, is in such a bad condition that his bones can shatter at the slightest touch, and some describe him as the "glass boy."
Due to his skeletal structure, which is still like porcelain, the boy as mentioned broke dozens of bones in his body during his life.
He suffers from severe pain for most of the day and his growth has been delayed to such an extent that he is about 40 cm tall and weighs about 15 kg.
Boy, 12, is 'made of glass' - has broken 100 bones due to rare disease https://t.co/j10gJr9LLN pic.twitter.com/o65HfHIw7a
- New York Post (@nypost) June 20, 2022
Because to avoid further damage to his bones, Rohit is unable to play with friends.
Despite the difficulties, Rohit explains that he will not let his illness prevent him from fulfilling his dream of becoming a singer.
There is currently no cure for osteoporosis, but there are medications that encourage bone growth and calcium supplements that relieve symptoms.
After a 2019 Chinese study found that triclosan (a chemical with antibacterial activity) found in various cosmetic preparations could double the chances of developing osteoporosis - women were told not to use them as well to avoid similar complications in pregnancy.
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