Epidermolysis Bullosa

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Epidermolysis Bullosa also known as E.B. is generally an inherited connective tissue disease. This disease is evident at birth or soon there after. It causes large fluid filled blisters, in the skin and mucosal membranes. Chaffing or even increase in room temperature may cause these blisters to form. E.B. affects an estimated 50 in 1 million live births. The disease has been known to affect every racial and ethnic group and is found in both males and females all over the world. The disease has been seen in a wide variety of forms from mild to lethal form involving some organs. Epidermolysis Bullosa is the result of a mutation in the keratin or collagen gene. There are three layers of skin epidermis, dermis and the subcutaneous layers. Epidermolysis Bullosa affects the top two layers. For those who are not affected by E.B. there are protein anchors that prevent the top two layers from moving without unison or shearing. But those who are affected by E.B. lack the protein anchors that are made of collagen. This is what creates the friction between the layers and this rubbing and pressure causes the painful blisters and sores which have been compared to third degree burns. There are four main types of Epidermolysis Bullosa: Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, Epidermolysis Bullosa simplex, Hemindesmosomal Epidermolysis Bullosa and Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa. Even within the main types there are many sub types including Epidermis Bullosa Acquisita generally appearing in adults over the age of 50. This specific type is also linked to Cohen’s disease and Lupus.

A doctor may suspect Epidermolysis Bullosa by the appearance of your skin but many tests must be performed on a patient to fully diagnose the disease. Many te...

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...and crystal skin children according to some articles. Due to the fact this disease is inherited there is no way of preventing the birth of someone with Epidermolysis Bullosa. Genetic counseling is an option for parents with a family history of Epidermolysis Bullosa. To prevent any current skin trauma or blistering in Epidermolysis Bullosa it helps to wear padding around areas they are prone to trauma and contact sports should be highly avoided. Many different medications may be prescribed steroids being one of them. Calcium and vitamin d are supplements also used in treatment. Living with this disease may be painful and complicated but with proper care and knowledge of your specific type of Epidermolysis Bullosa you may be able to live a long life.

SOME EXAMPLES OF THE VARIETY OF SEVERITY FOUND IN EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA

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