Epidermodysplasia verrruciformiss is a rare skin condition that effects less than 1,000 people in the United States. The disease normally manifests as small flat warts in very young people. In most cases these warts occur in bunches numbering well over a hundred warts. The warts normally occur on sun exposed extremities, however, they can occur on any part of the body. The warts associated with this disease are normally flat but they may be slightly raised and ulcerated.

The disease seems to be caused by several different human papillomaviruses.

These are viruses that affect a person’s DNA. Most of these viruses are harmless to people, except to those people with epidermodysplasia Verruciformis. The viruses in people with EV cause them to be very susceptible to cancer, in particular, Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Researchers have discovered that a locus of the gene EV1 is responsible for the disease, mapping that gene to chromosome 17. This important research and discovery will be very helpful in finding a cure or a treatment for this disease.

The current treatment for this disease includes the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze off the warts or by using Retinoids. The other form of treatment is surgically removing the warts that turn into cancer. These treatments help slow down the disease but they do not prevent new warts or cancers from forming. There have been some doctors that think the use of Aldera may help this disease. Aldera has not been proven, but it does seem promising.

There are several things that a person can do to help prevent the disease from becoming worse. First and foremost, a person with Epidermodysplasia

Verruciformis must avoid the sun as much as possible. The UV rays from the sun are harmful to all people but it can be deadly for a person with EV. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin everyday. This should be done even on cloudy, rainy days. Another thing a person can do to help prevent the spread of this disease is to eat properly. A person with this disease should eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as the vitamins will help restore the skin. If a person takes these precautions it will help slow the spread of the disease.

There is little else known about this disease. I was diagnosed with this disease about three years ago. Until then I was told my warts were everything from lichen Plantis to venereal warts. I was diagnosed with lupus, but three years ago a doctor at the VA in Dallas made the diagnosis of EV. I currently am being treated with Accutane, Efudex, and Aldera. I also have had numerous surgeries. I am very interested in this disease and the research being done on it. I am very excited about the finding of the locus believed to be defective and causing this disease. I hope that one day a cure will be found, because the likelihood of my kids having this disease is high.