EV is an inherited disorder. In most cases, it is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This means a person must have both copies of mutated EV genes to be affected. Most people can carry a copy of the mutated gene but not show signs nor symptoms. However, there has been some cases of atypical inheritance reported.
‘Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis’ or EV-like eruptions can result from having an impaired immune system i.e. HIV infection, organ transplantation or cancer.