Epidermolysis Bullosa

There are four major types of EB. Although each subtype has a specific genetic causes, there is a wide range of severity, even within subtypes. Each type differs from mild to severe in terms of appearance, genetic makeup, the area of the skin where there is blistering, and how much other parts of the body are involved.

Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex

In mild cases, there is blistering mainly on the hands and feet with little or no scarring. Severe cases have more widespread blistering and other serious medical conditions such as blisters in the mouth. and digestive tract.

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

The milder forms have limited blistering that often improves with age. Children may also have hair loss and abnormal toenails and fingernails. In older children and adults, there can be blisters in the lining of the mouth and digestive tract, making it hard to eat and digest food. Children are more likely to have growth and malnutrition issues. Severe cases may be fatal in infancy.

Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

This is scarring type of EB. In mild cases, the blistering is primarily found on hands, feet, knees and elbows. Patients with more severe disease may experience a variety of serious medical conditions including blisters in the lining of the mouth and digestive tract, poor growth and nutrition, and anemia. With the severe type, there is a higher risk of developing skin cancer as they patients get older.

Kindler Syndrome

In addition to blistering, these individuals have an increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Diagnosis of EB can be confirmed by skin biopsies (sampling a small piece of skin) or by a blood or a saliva test for genetic testing.

Symptoms vary depending on EB type and level of severity. All people with EB have fragile skin and most blister easily.

Other problems can include:

• Trouble eating and swallowing
• Trouble gaining weight
• Anemia
• Problems breathing
• Nail loss or abnormalities
• Skin infections
• Scarring of the skin
• Difficulty walking due to scarring
• Difficulty with hand function due to scarring
• Skin cancer 

As of today, there is no cure for EB.  There are, however, a lot of treatments that can improve the quality of life for people with EB.

• Bandaging can help healing, prevent infections, and protect skin from injury.

• A healthy diet consisting of extra calories and protein can help the skin heal.
• Physical and occupational therapy services are used to help prevent weakness and loss of function. Adaptations are suggested to help maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible
• Treatment of EB may require surgery. Examples can include:
• Placement of a feeding tube into the stomach can improve overall nutrition which helps with wound healing, growth and development.
• Dilation (widening / opening) of the esophagus if there is a narrowing causing swallowing difficulties.
• Surgical repair to improve hand and foot function.
• Placement of a breathing tube for severe respiratory problems.
• Clinical trials of new treatments, including gene therapy, are now ongoing: contact our EB center for details if you would be interested in participating.

The outlook for children with EB depends on the type and severity of their particular type of EB. Most children are able to attend school with appropriate adaptations. Those who have a mild form of EB may notice improvement with age. More serious forms of EB may result in a shortened lifespan.

While there is no cure for EB, there are several research groups around the world that are working on new treatments for EB.  Our center works with these groups nationally and internationally. Our goal is to provide the best quality of life possible for all of our patients.