This is a very interesting picture that has made its way around the Internet over the past several weeks. I have received copies from several different sources, all inquiring as to what bizarre skin condition this person has.

First let me say that I think these are real pictures, not some special effects or falsification.

I have researched the condition, considering bizarre forms of hyperkeratosis in addition to specific genodermatoses. I did come across a case in the Holy Grail of dermatology textbooks, “Rook, Wilkinson, and Ebling; Textbook of Dermatology”’ discussing a case of extreme papilloma (wart) infections on the hands and feet in an immunocompromised patient. I have included a reference and also a copy of the picture in Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology, which looks very similar, albeit not as extreme as this patient’s picture, below.

This certainly is a very impressive and dramatic case. After considering this peculiar photographic case for several days, I believe that this patient just has an uncontrolled, exuberant, extreme case of warts (papilloma viral infection) in a patient with a severely suppressed immune system..

If interested, please review the reference information below. I certainly welcome any comments from my colleagues.

Reference: Rook, Wilkinson, and Ebling; Textbook of Dermatology, Blackwell Scientific Publishing, 5th Edition, page 1388.


Image from Rook et al Textbook of Dermatology, picture of hands of patient with extreme warts who is also suffering from acquired immuno-deficiency sysndrome.


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