Dr Tirant first started to treat Andras mid 2002, when the condition of Andras’s skin made it extremely difficult for the young boy to move at all without splitting his skin in several places.

Prior to any consideration being given to Andras coming to Australia for intensive treatment, he had to undergo several months of basic treatment so that the skin “shell” could be softened and removed to a certain degree.

Andras first came to Australia late 2002/early 2003 undergoing testing to various ointments, herbal tonics and trialing the Treatment Regime to find the best treatment that he responded to.

Andras came again to Australia, in early 2004. As he was older it was decided to introduce certain Dr Michaels oral medications to further assist his immune system and internal functions.

Below is a transcript from a local newspaper. Andras also appeared on SBS (Special Broascasting Service) television in the Hungarian news about the same time that this article was written.

February 2003

Doc’s magic more than skin deep – by Geoff Edwards

With courtesy to reproduce the article from Geoff Edwards and the Editor of the Standard Leader, Frankston, VIC, Australia.

A sad little boy who hid from the world because of his crocodile-like skin has been given a new hope by a peninsula skin-disorder clinic. Seven year old Hungarian Andras Kiss had led a miserable life after being born with a rare, severe and painful skin disorder, Ichthyosis.

Hungary television’s appeal for medical help for Andras had brought no relief, until last year. Frankston doctor Michael Tirant, 47, saw the latest TV report on Andras’ plight in a Hungary hotel room while visiting the country’s hospitals. Dr Tirant agreed to examine the boy and try treatments being used or developed by the national network of his Frankston research clinic, the Psoriasis and Skin Clinic.

“I’d never seen anything like it,” Dr Tirant said of the cowering boy.

Andras’ skin had long turned from white to black, and Dr Tirant said it resembled scaly crocodile skin. Pain stiffened Andras as he removed his clothes for examination. Left virtually immobile and unable to grasp objects, just about any movement tested his courage.

Dr Tirant said Andras’ affliction was so devastating, he did not attend school or mix with his peers.

Dermatologists in four European countries had failed to manage Andras’ symptoms. But Dr Tirant said Andras showed some improvement during two weeks of head-to-toe application of various topical treatments. Before Dr Tirant returned to Australia, a dermatology professor appealed to him… ”You’ve got nothing to lose. Try to help Andras.”

Subsequently, Andras, his family and an interpreter stayed in Frankston for eight with the boy showing “remarkable” improvement from the continued treatment.

“Andras’ skin is much smoother, less dry and fissures in his hands and feet are healed,” Dr Tirant said.

“Let me make it clear: We cannot cure it. But we are hoping to give him relief and a better life. ” Dr Tirant said.

Before leaving Frankston, a smiling Andras appeared with other youngsters and kicked a football on Long Island beach.

Andras also counted aloud, one to 20 in English. He was determined to learn the language. “He did it for me,” Dr Tirant said.

PLEASE NOTE THAT:- ICTHYOSIS CANNOT BE CURED, BUT AS ATTESTED TO BY THESE PHOTOGRAPHS – MANAGEMENT CAN BE ATTAINED