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<\/p>\n\u201cEV is an extremely rare inherited disorder,\u201d explains Dr. Ajay Rana, dermatologist, aesthetic physician, and founder of ILAMED. \u201cIt is caused by mutations in genes like TMC6 or TMC8, which make the body unable to fight off certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) \u2014 especially beta-HPVs.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Patients develop flat scaly lesions and wart-like growths that can cover the hands, feet, face, and even torso. These growths harden over time, closely resembling tree bark.<\/p>\n
A difficult diagnosis and complex treatment<\/p>\n
The diagnosis of tree man syndrome is not easily confirmed. \u201cWe rely on a combination of clinical observation, skin biopsy, HPV testing, and genetic testing to confirm the condition,\u201d says Dr Rana. The lesions typically appear in early childhood and tend to worsen with age.<\/p>\n
![\"tree](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tree-man.jpg\")
Lesions can grow so thick and heavy that they impair movement and basic daily tasks. (Source: Instagram\/pathology_case.review)<\/p>\n
Even after diagnosis, treatment remains challenging. \u201cThere is no permanent cure at present, \u201c Dr Rana notes. \u201cWe manage symptoms with surgical removal, topical treatments like retinoids, and experimental antiviral therapies.\u201d<\/p>\n
The surgeries, unfortunately, aren\u2019t a permanent solution \u2013 the lesions can easily reappear. Additionally, the risks for skin cancer<\/a><\/strong> in these patients are significantly higher, making regular checkups critical.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n The baseless fear of contagion<\/p>\n Any skin disorder usually comes attached with the stigma, with this extreme appearance, it is common to assume contagion. In reality, you cannot catch tree man syndrome by touching someone who has it. It\u2019s not caused by poor hygiene either; even those living in the cleanest environments can have it if they have faulty genes. Dr. Rana stresses. \u201cThe condition is purely genetic. The HPV strains involved don\u2019t behave like typical infections \u2014 they only become a problem in people who are genetically predisposed.\u201d<\/p>\n Prevention in picture?<\/p>\n Since EV is a genetic disorder, there is no known way to prevent it in those who inherit the faulty genes. However, genetic counseling can help families with a history of the syndrome understand the risks for future generations.<\/p>\n \u201cEarly detection and consistent monitoring can help reduce complications, especially the risk of skin cancer<\/a>,\u201d Dr. Rana adds.<\/p>\n Patients with EV face severe challenges on all fronts \u2014 medical, emotional, psychological, social, and financial. The wart-like lesions can become extremely painful over time, and as they grow in size and weight, basic movements become difficult.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n![\"tree](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Worlds_4th_a_Tree_Man-Picsart-AiImageEnhancer.jpg\")
Bangladesh\u2019s Abul Bajandar was the fourth person globally to be diagnosed with EV (Source: wikicommons)
\nWhat\u2019s it like living like a tree man?<\/p>\n