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Epidermolysis Bullosa Term Paper

Epidermolysis Bullosa: Facts, Statistics and Medical Overview Epidermolysis bullosa is largely an inherited skin disorder, although some non-genetic variations of the ailment do exist.

Epidermolysis bullosa also varies widely in the severity of its manifestations, spanning from minor blistering to a lethal form of the disoder, in which the constant massive blistering and scarring may ultimately lead to an infant's death. The hallmark of the conditions that constitute the different manifestations of Epidermolysis bullosa are the formation of large, fluid-filled blisters develop in response to minor trauma. Some infants may have large blisters at birth. Others infants may manifest this condition shortly after birth. (Drayer, 2003) Epidermolysis bullosa is one of the most common of a collection of skin ailments known as "keratin disorders." They are all characterized by external blistering with relatively mild internal involvement. Lesions typically heal without scarring, except in the variations of Epidermolysis bullosa delineated...

(Markinovich, 2002)
The risks of the disorder Epidermolysis bullosa arise from the fact that in its most severe forms, scarring after blister formation may cause deformities, fusion of the fingers and toes, and eventual scarring of the esphogus that may cause difficulty with the suffer's feeding. The ailment may be analogously likened to the easy bruising and bleeding of Hemophilia. In the condition of Epidermolysis bullosa, rubbing, or even increased room temperature may cause blisters to form. (Drayer, 2003)

Risk factors, because of the largely genetic source of the ailment, may be defined as a family history of Epidermolysis Bullosa on the part of the potentially affected individual. The goal of treatment for the ailment is to prevent the formation of blisters and subsequent complications. The intensity of care depends upon the severity of the disease. Recommendations to mitigate the severity often include measures to avoid all skin trauma and to avoid high environmental temperatures. Severe forms may require…

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Works Cited

Drayer, Jeffrey. (October 27, 2003) "Epidermolysis bullosa." ADAM. Retrieved on April 17, 2004 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001457.htm

Markinovich, Peter. (August 21, 2002) "Epidermolysis bullosa." Emedicine. Retrieved on April 17, 2004 at http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic124.htm
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