Epidermodysplasia verruciformis

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (also called Lewandowsky-Lulz dysplasia or Lulz-Lewandowsky epidermodysplasia verruciformis) is an extremely rare skin disease characterized by the growth of scaly macules and papules, particularly on the hands. Named after doctors Felix Lewandowsky and Wilhelm Lulz, the condition usually begins in childhood and has no known cure.

It is believed to be caused by the human papillomavirus and is most strongly associated with strains 5 and 8, although others may also contribute. Genetic predisposition is also thought to partly explain why the disease is so rare, as EV papillomaviruses are often found (15-20%) in normal skin with no increased incidence of cancer.

Notable cases
In March 2007, a Romanian man was diagnosed with this condition. The man, patient of dermatologist Dr. Carmen Madeleine Curea, quickly became an internet meme, his pictures appearing on numerous blogs and Romanian press sources. Dr. Curea works out of Spitalului Clinic Colentina in Bucharest, Romania. Stephen Stone, past president of the American Academy of Dermatology, confirms this is Lewandowsky-Lutz.