Tree man Syndrome

Abstract

Tree man syndrome is an extremely rare condition more formally known as Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis. Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis (EV, also called Lewandowsky–Lutz dysplasia), colloquially known as tree man illness is an extremely rare autosomal recessive genetic [1] hereditary skin disorder associated with a high risk of carcinoma of the skin. It is characterized by abnormal susceptibility to human papillomaviruses (HPVs) of the skin [2]. The resulting uncontrolled HPV infections result in the growth of scaly macules and papules, particularly on the hands and feet. It is typically associated with HPV types 5 and 8, [3] which are found in about 80% of the normal population as asymptomatic infections, [4] although other types may also contribute [3]. The condition usually has an onset of between the ages of one and 20, [5] but can occasionally present in middle age [5]. It is named after the physicians who first documented it, Felix Lewandowsky and Wilhelm Lutz (de) [6].