Complete Information on Epidermolysis bullosa with Treatment and Prevention

Jun 7
12:38

2008

Juliet Cohen

Juliet Cohen

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Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita may be treated with oral steroids and medication that suppresses the immune system. These may, however, increase the risk of secondary infection, particularly the latter drug category. Working with a physical therapist can help

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Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited bullous disorders. Infancy is a particularly hard moment for epidermolysis bullosa patients. Generalized blistering caused by any subtype may be complicated by transmission,Complete Information on Epidermolysis bullosa with Treatment and Prevention Articles sepsis, and death. Severe forms of epidermolysis bullosa increase the mortality risk during infancy. The disease is classified into three major categories, including: Epidermolysis bullosa simplex, Epidermolysis bullosa junctional and Epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica. These different subtypes are defined by the depth of blister location within the skin layers, and the location of the dissolution of the skin. Patients with the herlitz or letalis form of epidermolysis bullosa junctional have the highest risk during infancy with an estimated mortality rate of 87% during the first year of life. In patients with EB that survive childhood, the most common cause of death is metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

Patients with serious epidermolysis bullosa subtypes may get immunologic abnormalities, including decreased lymphocyte output or an impoverished nutritional position that lowers opposition to infections. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are the usual causative organisms, but gram-negative infections with bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also can occur. In some people with epidermolysis bullosa, blisters may appear in the mouth and esophagus, making it hard to chew and swallow. Over time, this may lead to nutritional problems. Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, however, usually appears in adults over age 50, although it has been reported in children. Also, mild cases of epidermolysis bullosa simplex may remain undiagnosed until adulthood. All of the different types of epidermolysis bullosa are generally inherited. Therefore, having a family history of the disease, especially an affected parent, is a risk factor.

Epidermolysis bullosa is characterized by the presence of exceedingly delicate rind and repeated blister establishment, resulting from insignificant automatic clash or injury. Patients with epidermolysis bullosa simplex, especially those with the weber cockayne and dowling meara subtypes, can have recurrent blepharitis in 1 or both eyes along with bullous lesions of the conjunctivae. Prevention of infection is the preferred strategy. With extensive areas of crusting and denudation, a strict wound care regimen should be followed. Such a regimen entails regular whirlpool therapy followed by application of topical antibiotics. Some people with epidermolysis bullosa have a mild form of the disease with few blisters. For others, there may be many blisters on the skin. Some people develop blisters inside the body - in places such as the mouth, stomach, esophagus, bladder, and elsewhere.

The strength of maintenance depends upon the hardship of the disease. Take good maintenance to avert injury to the rind during transfers or additional blistering will occur, especially in patients with severe epidermolysis bullosa. Proper nutrition is also important. When skin injury is extensive, increased calorie and protein intake may be necessary to help recovery.maintain the range of motion of involved joint areas and minimize contractures. Other treatments under investigation for epidermolysis bullosa include protein and gene therapy.