Our hands are capable of loving and comforting, of precision
and gentility, of creating beauty and art; but what of those who have little to
no ability to use their hands? One of
the most stunning and mysterious cases of hand inoperability is found in those
with Epidermodusplasia Verucciforum, or “Tree Man Disease” Many diseases that affect the hands are not
particularly debilitating; however the strange nature of this condition makes it
almost impossible for the individual to live a normal and healthy life. This incapacitating disease, however
impossible it seems, is extraordinary and true. Exploring the Science: Cause and Effect
Epidermodusplasia Verruciformis is a genetic disorder of the
skin that causes wart-like lesions that most often resemble the bark and roots
of a tree. These scaly macules begin
growing on hands or feet as a result of a mutation in Chromosome 17 and an
onset of the HPV type 5 and 8 virus.
Uncontrolled growth can result in a full blown onset of macules that
harden the skin and create a bark-like effect of enlargement and overgrowth.
Treatment
While there is no cure for the underlying cause, a very
complex order of treatment that uses a multi-faceted approach has shown success
in keeping the symptoms of the disease at bay.
Interferons and retinoids have been the traditional and most effective
solution for resolving the overgrowth while some topical histamine receptors
have also been known to reduce the growth rate of the lesions. The idea behind treatment is to catch the
disease early enough that you can prevent the expansive growth of the macules
and reduce the necessity for surgery later on. If the disease has progressed,
then surgery to remove the hardened warts is often the only way to regain the
maximum use of your hands or feet.
Case studies
There are several notable cases of Epidermodusplasia
Verruciforums that have had significant exposure to treatment. One of the worst cases that has presented
itself for diagnosis and treatment, is that of a 26 year old father in
Bangladesh named Abul Bandajar. According
to Mr Bandajar, the tree man disease first appeared 10 years ago in 2006. This debilitating skin disease literally
stopped Mr Bandajar from living a productive and healthy life. A hard-working man, Mr Bandajar was forced to
stop working and unable to care for his children due to the 11 pounds of
root-like growths that are present on his hands. When self-removal became too painful for Mr
Bandajar, he turned to the experts for help.
Fortunately for him, a team of doctors has agreed to perform the surgery
free of charge, and soon Mr Bandajar will have his life back!
Keyword: Tree Man
Tone: Professional
Descriptive: Journalistic, Medical
Size: 400+
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