Shahana Little Bangladeshi woman with epidermodysplasia verruciformis Country: Bangladesh

1. Biography of Shahana
2. Living with Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis
3. Shahana's Story
4. Inspiring Hope for a Cure

Biography of Shahana

Shahana is a ten-year-old girl from Bangladesh who suffers from a rare condition called epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), which causes her to gradually turn into a 'tree'. The signs of the disease first appeared when she was just six months old, with her body becoming covered in warts that quickly spread to her nose, cheeks, chin, and earlobes. Shahana's family, who live in a remote village in northern Bangladesh, are currently seeking treatment at the Medical College Hospital in Dhaka.

Living with Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is an inherited skin disorder that causes warts and papillomas to grow on any part of the body. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for common skin conditions such as warts and pigmented plaques. To inherit the disease, two abnormal genes, one from each parent, are required. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for EV, although some patients have undergone multiple surgeries to remove the warts and papillomas.

Shahana's Story

Shahana's condition has gained attention as she joins the ranks of individuals affected by epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Previously, there have been cases such as Ion Toader, a Romanian man diagnosed with the disease in March 2007, and Dede Koswara, an Indonesian man who required frequent surgeries to maintain a normal appearance. Sadly, Koswara passed away in January 2016.

Inspiring Hope for a Cure

Shahana's case came to light two weeks after Abul Bajandar, also known as the 'tree man' in Bangladesh, made headlines. Bajandar underwent 16 surgeries to remove nearly 5 kilograms of growths from his hands and feet. Doctors believe that he may become the first patient to be fully cured of EV, giving hope to individuals like Shahana.

Medical professionals are optimistic that the cellular mechanisms in Shahana's skin cells may normalize, offering the possibility of recovery. Research and advancements in treating epidermodysplasia verruciformis give hope that one day a cure will be found, allowing individuals like Shahana to lead a normal life.