Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is also termed as Lewandowsky-Lutz dysplasia or Lutz-Lewandowsky epidermodysplasia verruciformis. This is a very rare skin disease which is characterized by growth of scaly macules and rashes or papules, especially on the patient's feet and hands. Epidermodysplasia usually begins in childhood stage without any known cure. In some cases though, high doses of vitamin A may help ameliorate the condition.

As diagnosis, biopsy is preferred to be performed for early detection lesions may it be premalignant or malignant. Biopsy also allows for the identification of HPVs assosciated with Epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Most characteristics findings are found within the epidermis.

There is no definitive therapy for Epidermodysplasia. Treatment of this condition includes administration of preventive measures. The most important treatment to take note is definitely no sun exposure and protection by using sun blocks which usually begins right after the diagnosis is made. Therapies that does not involve surgical procedures are administered for managing skin cancers. For advanced carcinomas related to HPV, experimental therapy will involve combination treatments of interferon alpha or cholecalciferol analogues and 13-cis retinoic acid. Treatment involved for numerous localized malignant lesions, an autotransplantation of skin tissues from unaffected area of the skin has been proven to be successful in preventing even more growth of cancers. Patients should avoid exposures to UV-B, UV-A, and x-ray irradiation as the radiation therapy often times promote the growing back of even more aggressive skin cancers.

Epidermodysplasia can be caused by virus (HPV). It can also be caused by an autosmal recessive gene inherited by an individual.

epidermodysplasiaverruciformis