Four-year-old Iraqi girl Haura should be enjoying her childhood - games in the street, tearing in and out of friends' homes and small squabbles over toys.
Instead, a rare congenital skin condition covering much of her upper body in black marks and hair has made her the object of ridicule in her village, about 200km south of Baghdad.
Everyday, Haura's parents dress her in long sleeved shirts and high collars, but it's a losing battle - her neck gives her away, to laughter and jeers.
"In two years, she will have to go to school - we really dread that", says Haura's mother Alia Khafif at the family home, in Wahed Haziran, Diwaniya province.
"How will the other children behave with her? We can't guarantee that she'll be comfortable in a school and this is the biggest obstacle for her future", sighs Khafif.
The black marks and hair cover Haura's shoulders and almost her entire back, along with much of her arms and neck.
But things could still get a lot worse. Her condition, a giant form of naevus - birthmarks or moles - make her highly vulnerable to malignant melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer.
To ward off a potentially "fatal" outcome, the best treatments would be a skin graft and laser sessions, dermatologist Aqil Al Khaldi said. He also recommends psychological help.
But Haura's despairing family can't afford these things.
"We have seen several doctors and they all told us that she cannot be treated in Iraq. They all say we have to go to a specialist centre abroad," says Haura's mother.
"We cannot afford the journey or medical costs."
Even treatment to alleviate itching is beyond the family's reach - and the irritation gets worse with the summer heat, as temperatures regularly exceed 50 Celsius.
"What we have is barely enough to live on and to send four brothers and sisters to school," adds Khafif, whose husband is old, sick and unemployed.
In recognition of his honesty and integrity, Dubai police awarded Ali Jamal Al Balushi with a certificate of appreciation
uae3 hours ago
Strong demand is outpacing supply at a faster rate this year than estimated, especially after the UAE’s removal from FATF Grey List
uae4 hours ago
The initiative is expected to boost public transport usage
uae4 hours ago
Authorities urged people to wear face masks and glasses when doing outdoor activities
world4 hours ago
In 10 years, all operations of Dubai International Airport will be transferred to Al Maktoum International
aviation4 hours ago
The meeting saw the formation of four technical committees, one for roads and infrastructure, one for houses and properties, one for dams and water facilities, and one for energy and water
uae4 hours ago
Distance learning also implemented due to nationwide transportation strike
asia5 hours ago