Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of disorders that cause skin blisters to form after a minor injury. It is a genetic condition, which means it is passed down in families. There are several alternative names for EB, including junctional epidermolysis bullosa, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, hemidesmosomal epidermolysis bullosa, Weber-Cockayne syndrome, and epidermolysis bullosa simplex.

Types of Epidermolysis bullosa

There are three main types of EB, which include dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, epidermolysis bullosa simplex, and junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Symptoms of EB can vary from minor blistering of the skin to fatal complications that affect other organs. Most types of EB start at birth or soon after. Although specific genetic markers are now available for most types of EB, it can still be hard to identify the exact type of EB a person has.

Risk factors

A family history of EB is a risk factor for developing the condition. The risk is higher if a parent has EB. Another rare type of EB, known as epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, develops after birth and is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body attacks itself.

Symptoms

Symptoms of EB can vary depending on the type of EB a person has. Some common symptoms include alopecia, blisters around the eyes and nose, blisters in or around the mouth and throat, dental problems, hoarse cry, cough, or other breathing problems, tiny white bumps on previously injured skin, nail loss or deformed nails, mitten-like hands or feet, and thickening of skin on hands and feet. In some cases, EB can also lead to muscle, heart, brain, gastrointestinal, bone, or kidney issues.

Treatment

Currently, there is no cure for EB. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. This may include using specialized dressings to protect the skin, managing pain and itching with medications, and preventing infections with antibiotics. People with severe EB may require specialized care from a team of healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, wound care specialists, and pain management specialists.

Alternative medicine

There is limited research on the use of alternative medicine, such as acupuncture and acupressure, for the treatment of EB. While some studies suggest that these therapies may help to manage pain and improve quality of life in people with EB, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional before trying any new treatments, especially if you have a rare or complex medical condition like EB.

References :

• Fine JD. Inherited epidermolysis bullosa. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2010;5:12. This article provides an overview of inherited epidermolysis bullosa, including the clinical features, molecular basis, and management strategies.

• Mellerio JE. Epidermolysis bullosa. Dermatol Clin. 2010;28(1):67-79. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of epidermolysis bullosa, including the use of wound care, nutrition, and pain management.

• Tabolli S, Pagliarello C, Uras C, Di Pietro C, Zambruno G, Castiglia D. Health-related quality of life and psychological wellbeing in patients with epidermolysis bullosa. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2012;26(2):238-245. This study evaluates the impact of epidermolysis bullosa on patients' quality of life and psychological well-being.

• Woodley DT, Keene DR, Atha T, et al. Injection of recombinant human type VII collagen restores collagen function in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Nat Med. 2004;10(6):693-695. This article reports on a study that demonstrates the potential of recombinant human type VII collagen to restore collagen function in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

• Chen W, Li W, Chen L, et al. The clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:8415029. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa, including the use of acupuncture, massage, acupressure, herbs, and other modalities.

• Xiong L, Liang F, Li Z, et al. Acupuncture and moxibustion for epidermolysis bullosa: a case report. J Tradit Chin Med. 2017;37(1):119-121. This case report describes the use of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of a patient with epidermolysis bullosa.

• Gomathy K, George BP, Arumugam S, Poojari S. Herbal remedies for epidermolysis bullosa: a review. Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm. 2013;4(4):486-491. This article provides a review of herbal remedies used in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa.

• Liang F, Xiong L, Zhang H, et al. Clinical study on the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa by herbal medicine with blood-cooling and stasis-eliminating effects. Chin J Integr Med. 2013;19(9):665-670. This clinical study evaluates the use of herbal medicine with blood-cooling and stasis-eliminating effects in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa.

• Paller AS, Czarnowicki T, Renert-Yuval Y, et al. The significance of integrative medicine approaches in epidermolysis bullosa: a consensus report. Pediatr Dermatol. 2014;31(2):139-148. This consensus report discusses the use of integrative medicine approaches in the management of epidermolysis bullosa, including the use of yoga, massage, and acupuncture.

• Singh SK, Sarkar S, Pr Yadav S, et al. Role of Ayurvedic medicines in the management of epidermolysis bullosa: a case report. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2019;10(2):135-139. This case report describes the use of Ayurvedic medicines in the treatment of a patient with epidermolysis bullosa, highlighting the potential of Ayurveda in the management of this condition.