See an overview of what EB is, how it’s inherited & how it’s diagnosed
Guidance & Care
For patients, families, and friends, a diagnosis of Epidermolysis Bullosa carries with it great uncertainty.
All about Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)
Products
Information on exceptional products suitable for Epidermolysis Bullosa wounds & skin
Resources
All the essentials on wound care, caring for newborns, community tips & helpful organizations, & foundations
All about Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)
See an overview of what EB is, how it’s inherited & how it’s diagnosed
Products
Information on exceptional products suitable for Epidermolysis Bullosa wounds & skin
Resources
All the essentials on wound care, caring for newborns, community tips & helpful organizations, & foundations
Contact the Epidermolysis Bullosa Team
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What is EB?
EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) is a genetic disorder causing fragility of the skin and sometimes other organs. Blisters and erosions form easily from minor trauma or even spontaneously, leading to pain and discomfort.
Types of EB
EB Simplex (EBS):
Epidermis
Junctional EB (JEB):
Dermal-epidermal junction
Dystrophic EB (DEB):
Dermis
Kindler Syndrome: Mixed type, affecting multiple skin layers
Causes
Blisters and erosions appear when the skin layers fail to adhere correctly. Normally, the epidermis (outer layer) is anchored to the dermis (deeper layer) by microscopic structures called fibrils and hemidesmosomes. When these don’t work properly, skin separates easily, leading to EB.
Types of EB
EB Simplex (EBS):
Epidermis
Junctional EB (JEB):
Dermal-epidermal junction
Dystrophic EB (DEB):
Dermis
Kindler Syndrome: Mixed type, affecting multiple skin layers
Diagnosis
Identifying the EB subtype can be challenging, especially in newborns and infants. Diagnosis often involves skin biopsy for electron microscopy and immunoepitope mapping, which helps pinpoint the affected skin layer and guides genetic testing.
Inheritance & Severity
EB types are classified by inheritance patterns (dominant or recessive) and their severity, based on blister localization and organ involvement. Severity varies depending on the genes involved and can include additional features such as nail changes or internal complications.
Genetic Testing
Specific EB subtypes are confirmed by genetic testing to identify mutations. In some cases, no mutation is found, but further testing may reveal involved genes. Knowing the mutation helps predict the severity and manage complications.
Research & Future
Ongoing genetic studies and clinical trials continue to expand knowledge of Epidermolysis Bullosa, supporting the search for new treatments and better patient outcomes.
Wound Care Products
There are thousands of exceptional wound care products available, and many are suitable for EB wounds and skin. This chart lists product categories and their properties.
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Product Category |
Absorption |
Fight Infection |
Non-Adherence |
Protection |
Retention |
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Alginate Dressings |
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Antimicrobial Dressings |
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Collagen Dressings |
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Contact Layer |
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Foam Dressings |
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Honey Dressings |
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Product Category |
Absorption |
Fight Infection |
Non-Adherence |
Protextion |
Retention |
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Hydrogels |
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Impregnated Gauze Dressings |
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Keratin Products |
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Retention Dressings |
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Specialty Absorbent Dressings |
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Tape |
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Product Category |
Absorption |
Fight Infection |
Non-Adherence |
Protextion |
Retention |
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Topicals, Ointments, & Creams |
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