What is epidermolysis bullosa?

Epidermolysis bullosa is characterized by a problem of junction between the epidermis and the dermis, which results in a bullous detachment and a skin abrasion. These bubbles generally appear after light injuries or frictions, and can be localized anywhere on the body as well as on internal tissues. The term of epidermolysis bullosa includes different skin pathologies, which are generally hereditary.

Four big categories characterize this group, which includes epidermolysis bullosa simplex, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, and to a certain extent, Kindler’s syndrome.These forms differ by the localization of the rupture between the dermis and the epidermis. Children suffering from epidermolysis bullosa are often called “butterfly children”, to reflect the fragility of their skin. According to different epidemiological data, epidermolysis bullosa affects between 1 out of 20,000 and 1 out of 125,000 people. Dependant on the mutation type involved, transmission can be autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive.

What are the symptoms of epidermolysis bullosa?

In epidermolysis bullosa, symptoms and damages often accompany the formation of bubbles, like the deformation or loss of nails, hyperkeratosis, ocular damage, sometimes major under-nutrition, chronic skin infections, retraction and synechia of the extremities, growth retardation, skin cancers.

How can epidermolysis bullosa be treated?

Their are no existing treatments which can cure epidermolysis bullosa. The strategy is to avoid the formation of bubbles by carefully protecting the skin, avoiding impacts, preventing secondary infections and treating the wounds. These treatments are essentially done by using bandages that improve healing and minimize the risk of infection. Hydrating products are used daily to insure a good skin quality, and minimize the formation of bubbles. Gene therapy studies are currently being led (Therapeuskin for example), but to date, no large-scale clinical trial results have been published yet.

How can epidermolysis bullosa be relieved?

The Hydrating Gel Plus HS developed by Skintifique has very strong hydrating and soothing properties. This product is used daily in addition to their treatment by some people suffering from epidermolysis bullosa. Some use it in a localized way, while others use it on their whole body. Of course, this gel does not cure epidermolysis bullosa, but the results generally are very good and provide a clear improvement of these people’s quality of life. See for instance Alexia’s interview, by clicking here.. Indeed, the Hydrating Gel Plus HS brings a real improvement of the skin’s quality, which becomes more supple and less dry. According to the experience of users suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, this gel can be used 2 to 3 times less than classic hydrating products that they were using before, while getting an equivalent moisturising sensation and improving the quality of their skin. These results are explained by the limited number of ingredients contained in the Hydrating Gel Plus HS, and the very innovative molecular structure of this gel-cream which insures an exceptionally strong and deep hydration, and a long-lasting soothing effect.

If you are suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, please contact us to learn more about the use of our products and the special access program & conditions we offer.