This Teen With Rare Skin Disease Can't Grow Hair Or Sweat

#1 She Has Harlequin Ichthyosis Disease

People assume she had once been the victim of a terrible fire, but the truth is that 20 year old Hunter Steinitz has lived her life with a skin condition that, not only makes her skin peel, it doesn't allow her to grow hair or sweat.

#2 It Is In The Genes

Hunter has Harlequin Ichthyosis, a extremely rare medical condition that is passed down through genetics. Hunter has very thick skin which has left her covered in dry patches all over. Unfortunately it runs in the genes, but is extremely rare.

#3 Born With The Disease

Hunter came out of the womb looking different, and was diagnosed with Harlequin Ichthyosis. Her parents knew there was something wrong by the way the doctors had treated her when she was born. They say they are just happy she is alive, and are proud of her.

#4 Growing Up Different

As a young girl, Hunter was bullied by other children, and in school the others were afraid to play with her, especially in gym class. The kids believed they could catch the disease and were mean to Hunter. Some called her a 'freak'.

#5 She Had A Best Friend

Hunter thanks God for her one and only friend. Samantha and Hunter have been tied at the hip since they were 3-years-old. The two have always been there for each other and whenever the outside world has something rude to say about Hunter, Samantha is there to lift her spirits. Samantha never judged her for her condition.

#6 She Is Constantly Hydrating Her Body

Starting every morning soaking in a 2 hour bath, Hunters disease leaves her extremely dehydrated. She isn't able to sweat so she has to be careful that her body doesn't overheat. She also has to be aware of hydrating as much as possible.

#7 Her Daily Regimen and Treatments

Aside from all the hydration, numerous times throughout the day, Hunter must apply various oils and lotions to her body. Her skin is so thick that she has difficulty bending her fingers, can't close her eyes, and her hair won't grow because the skin blocks her follicles.

#8 She Is Pressing Forward

Hunter is determined to spread awareness to children to help teach them that just because someone looks differently doesn't mean you treat them badly. Her parents have big hopes for their daughter, and father Mark says, "She recognizes she can do anything that she chooses to do. There isn't anybody out there, regardless of confrontation that they provide her because of what she looks like, that can prevent her from doing it."

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