Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (also called Lewandowsky-Lutz dysplasia or Lutz-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 Lutz,[1] 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.