16-year-old boy has spent the past five years in a pond as doctors remain stumped by his condition

A 16-year-old boy has reportedly spent much of the past five years submerged in water because leaving it causes him unbearable pain.

Iqbal Sheikh, from the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India, has been living with a mysterious condition which is said to trigger an intense burning sensation across his skin.

With his symptoms becoming difficult to tolerate whenever he is on dry land, the teenager has instead found temporary relief by remaining in ponds and rivers near his village.

Footage of Iqbal's unusual daily routine has since circulated widely online, with several videos shared across social media showing him sitting chest-deep in a pond while eating snacks.

However, despite his family previously seeking help from hospitals and traditional healers, the exact cause of his condition has still not been confirmed.

Iqbal has reportedly relied on water for relief for five years since dealing with his unconfirmed condition (X)

As noted by the Mirror, doctors now reportedly suspect Iqbal could be suffering from erythromelalgia, a rare condition associated with episodes of burning pain, redness and increased skin temperature.

The disorder most commonly affects the hands and feet, although symptoms can vary between those who have it.

Iqbal's family had reportedly taken him to several hospitals in an attempt to find treatment, but his condition failed to improve.

That said, severe financial constraints later forced his parents to halt his medical care, leaving the teenager continuing to use water as a way of managing the pain. His situation eventually attracted attention across India and further afield after concerned locals and social media users highlighted what he had been going through.

Indian billionaire Anant Ambani then reportedly stepped in to assist the family, arranging for Iqbal to be airlifted to Mumbai for specialist treatment.

His family previously sought treatment before financial difficulties halted his care (X)

The teenager was taken to Sir HN Reliance Hospital, where doctors are expected to carry out further examinations in an attempt to finally establish what is causing his symptoms and decide on an appropriate course of treatment.

Although spending long periods submerged has offered Iqbal some relief, medical experts have also raised health concerns about the risks of doing so.

A dermatologist reportedly warned prolonged exposure to water can cause the skin to become extremely soft, potentially leaving a person more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.

Iqbal's family are now hoping his hospital stay will provide the answers they have been searching for and allow doctors to find a way of controlling his symptoms without him needing to remain in water.

For now, however, his precise diagnosis remains unclear, with doctors in Mumbai expected to investigate whether erythromelalgia or another condition could be responsible for the burning sensation.

Either way, his family are hopeful that this could lead to Iqbal getting the support he needs for a more normal life at home.