Epidermolysis Bullosa
- Epidermolysis bullosa simplex
- Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
- Junctional epidermolysis bullosa
- Kindler Syndrome
EB may then be further classified based on severity and specific symptoms, such as distribution (localized or generalized) and whether parts of the body other than the skin are affected. Specific sub-types may then be determined based on identifying the exact protein that is defective in a person with EB. This may be done by tests performed on a skin biopsy, or when possible, genetic testing. Identifying the exact sub-type can be hard because there are many sub-types of EB. A person with any main type of EB may be mildly or severely affected, and the disease can range from being a minor inconvenience requiring modifying activities, to completely disabling and even fatal in some cases.
EB may be caused by changes (mutations) in at least 18 genes that play various roles in the structure, integrity, and repair of the skin. Inheritance may be autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive depending on the type and subtype of EB a person has. Management involves a multidisciplinary team of health care providers and involves wound care, pain control, controlling infections, nutritional support, and prevention and treatment of complications.