Think about an individual with tree bark for palms, small branches like growths sprouting from their face, and a physique reworking, nearly botanically. Sounds fictional, proper?
This, sadly, is a haunting residing actuality for some people, predisposed to a uncommon genetic situation referred to as Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis (EV), extra generally often known as the Tree Man Syndrome.
“EV is a particularly uncommon inherited dysfunction,” explains Dr. Ajay Rana, dermatologist, aesthetic doctor, and founding father of ILAMED. “It’s brought on by mutations in genes like TMC6 or TMC8, which make the physique unable to struggle off sure strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) — particularly beta-HPVs.”
Story continues under this advert
Sufferers develop flat scaly lesions and wart-like growths that may cowl the palms, toes, face, and even torso. These growths harden over time, carefully resembling tree bark.
A tough analysis and complicated therapy
The analysis of tree man syndrome shouldn’t be simply confirmed. “We depend on a mixture of scientific commentary, pores and skin biopsy, HPV testing, and genetic testing to verify the situation,” says Dr Rana. The lesions sometimes seem in early childhood and have a tendency to worsen with age.
Lesions can develop so thick and heavy that they impair motion and fundamental each day duties. (Supply: Instagram/pathology_case.evaluate)
Even after analysis, therapy stays difficult. “There isn’t a everlasting remedy at current, “ Dr Rana notes. “We handle signs with surgical removing, topical therapies like retinoids, and experimental antiviral therapies.”
The surgical procedures, sadly, aren’t a everlasting resolution – the lesions can simply reappear. Moreover, the dangers for pores and skin most cancers in these sufferers are considerably greater, making common checkups vital.
Story continues under this advert
The baseless concern of contagion
Any pores and skin dysfunction often comes connected with the stigma, with this excessive look, it is not uncommon to imagine contagion. In actuality, you can’t catch tree man syndrome by touching somebody who has it. It’s not brought on by poor hygiene both; even these residing within the cleanest environments can have it if they’ve defective genes. Dr. Rana stresses. “The situation is only genetic. The HPV strains concerned don’t behave like typical infections — they solely turn into an issue in people who find themselves genetically predisposed.”
Prevention in image?
Since EV is a genetic dysfunction, there isn’t a recognized approach to stop it in those that inherit the defective genes. Nonetheless, genetic counseling can assist households with a historical past of the syndrome perceive the dangers for future generations.
“Early detection and constant monitoring can assist scale back issues, particularly the danger of pores and skin most cancers,” Dr. Rana provides.
Bangladesh’s Abul Bajandar was the fourth individual globally to be recognized with EV (Supply: wikicommons)
What’s it like residing like a tree man?
Sufferers with EV face extreme challenges on all fronts — medical, emotional, psychological, social, and monetary. The wart-like lesions can turn into extraordinarily painful over time, and as they develop in dimension and weight, fundamental actions turn into tough.
Story continues under this advert
The continual nature of the situation typically results in anxiousness, melancholy, and frustration. The rarity of the illness — with fewer than 600 circumstances documented worldwide — additionally contributes to misdiagnosis, neglect, and social isolation. In India, the place circumstances are even rarer, sufferers typically lack entry to specialised care, significantly in rural areas.
In locations the place illiteracy, misinformation, or superstition prevail, sufferers could by no means come ahead — or worse, could face community-driven violence, even witch hunts. “Folks residing with EV shouldn’t be stigmatised or remoted,” Dr Rana sternly concludes.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
