Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis, Lewandowsky-Lutz dysplasia, Tree Man Syndrome

What appears to be tree bark growing out of someones skin may actually be Epidermodysplasia
verruciformis. Of course, it isnt bark. These growths are actually warts that can be exacerbated
by exposure to sunlight. While these warts may be benign early in life, they can become
malignant later in life.
The warts are caused by a rare mutation of the EVER1/EVER2 genes. Though the function of
the genes isnt really well-understood, the mutations cause the skin to be extremely susceptible
to human papillomaviruses 5 and 8, which typically dont cause disease. While there are some
treatment options available to mitigate the symptoms, there is no cure.
Image credit: Getty Images
Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Vampire Syndrome

Humans need sunlight to synthesize vitamin D, but too much exposure to the Suns UV rays can
damage the skin. Approximately 1 in 1 million people have xeroderma pigmentosum and are
extremely sensitive to UV rays. These people must be completely shielded from sunlight, or will
experience extreme sunburns and breakdown of the skin. If someone with the condition isnt
careful, they could easily develop skin cancer.
Xeroderma pigmentosum is caused by a rare recessive mutation of the nucleotide excision repair
enzymes. Functioning normally, these enzymes correct damaged DNA that can be caused by UV
rays. For those with this condition, the enzymes do not work properly and DNA damage persists
and accumulates. While there are some treatments available, the best prevention from damage is
merely staying completely out of sunlight, just like a vampire.
NASA/SDO
Elephantiasis

Elephantiasis is an obstruction of lymphatic vessels which causes extreme swelling of skin and
tissues, typically in the legs or testicles. This disfiguring condition can be brought about in
several ways, though a mosquito-borne parasite is the most common cause. Over 40 million
people have been affected by the condition.
There are medications available to kill the parasite, so early intervention will produce the best
result. There are surgical options if the elephantiasis affects the testicles, but not the limbs.
Hypertrichosis, Werewolf Syndrome

While many women may pluck their eyebrows to remove a few unsightly stray hairs, those who
suffer from hypertrichosis have abnormal hair growth covering their bodies. Faces can be
completely covered in long hair, which is why the condition has earned the nickname of
werewolf syndrome.
Hypertrichosis can be either congenital or acquired. Those born with the condition can suffer
from one of several known genetic mutations. Some who get the condition later in life acquired it
as a side effect from anti-balding treatments (be careful what you wish for), though there are
some who do not have an obvious cause. Treatment options include traditional methods of hair
removal, though even waxing and laser treatments typically dont provide long-lasting results.
Darren and Brad via flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0
Aquagenic urticaria, Water Allergy

As the majority of our body is made out of water, it seems odd that an allergy to it would even
exist. Though it isnt a true allergy because it doesnt trigger a histamine response, there are
some who develop itchy hives and welts even after mere minutes of water exposure.

There have been fewer than 100 documented cases of this condition, and the cause isnt well
known. Some have speculated that the water itself isnt the cause, but rather specific chemicals
or impurities that are ubiquitous within water. The most common treatment is topical application
of capsaicin, which is used to relieve pain.
Alien Hand Syndrome

The phrase, the right hand doesnt know what the left is doing is actually literally true for some
people. The condition involves a rogue hand that acts independently, grasping objects or moving
in a way contrary to what the individual wishes to do.
Sometimes, a rare side effect to brain injuries or surgical severing of the corpus callosum is the
inability to control the actions of one hand. There is no cure for this condition, though the
symptoms can be managed by making sure the hand is actively engaged in activity.
Day 13. Alien Hand Syndrome by Egidio Levendale via flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Foreign Accent Syndrome
Accents can reveal a lot of information about where someone is from, and nearly everyone has
tried to speak with an accent foreign to their native region. However, some people develop a
condition that causes them to uncontrollably speak in a foreign accent, even if they have never
visited that area before. Often, several types of accents can be used at different times, or may
even be blended together.
This rare disorder typically comes about as a side effect following stroke or other brain injury.
The person with the condition not only changes the tone of voice, but will also change tongue
placement during speech. The only treatment for this condition is extensive speech therapy to
retrain the brain to speak in a certain way.