There are three main subtypes of EB. EB Simplex, Junctional EB and Dystrophic EB. All three subtypes are broken down further into specific forms of EB, which vary in severity.
EB Simplex (EBS):
People with EBS develop blisters on their feet and hands due to friction. This form is usually mild to moderate. Usually this subtype is more severe at birth, becoming milder with age. Common problems associated with EBS are:
DDEB is is a dominate condition, usually one parent will also have the condition, though not always. Parents who have DDEB have to consider that there is a 50/50 chance that their child will also be affected.
Blistering can usually be associated with mechanical trauma. Scarring rarely causes deformities. The nails my be missing and mucous membranes are mildly involved.
RDEB is a recessive condition. This means both parents are healthy, showing no signs of the condition, but carry a "bad" gene. There is a 25% chance the child will be affected by RDEB.
Although RDEB can be mild, it is typically a very severe form of EB. Scarring may limit range of motion of extremities. Over time, constant scarring causes the fusion of fingers and toes. Hands, arms and sometimes even legs become "fixed" in a bent position, unable to be straightened. This results in deformities and loss of function. Large areas may be missing skin. Teeth are also affected. Because dental care can cause blisters, poor dental care is common. Eating may be limited due to scarring in the mouth, painful swallowing, difficulty chewing and/or esophageal webbing. Malnutrition becomes a major issue with most patients. This may become so problematic that the patient's growth is stunted and may not mature though puberty.
