Epidermolysis bullosa simplex

Signs and symptoms

EBS causes blister formation at the dermal-epidermal junction. The skin blisters easily, even from very minor friction and rubbing.

Cause

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex is caused by genetic mutations that prevent the proper formation of protein structures in the skin’s epidermis. The proteins of the outer epidermis do not bond properly with those of the inner dermis layer (dermal-epidermal junction). The affected genes, KRT5 and the KRT14, which are responsible for the creation of keratin 5 and keratin 14 proteins respectively, are tied to the four major types of epidermolysis bullosa simplex. However, a small number of epidermolysis bullosa simplex patients do not have mutations in their KRT5 and KRT14 genes. Mutations in the PLEC gene are also being researched, specifically in the gene’s role in the Ogna form of epidermolysis bullosa simplex. The PLEC gene is responsible for the formation of plectin, another skin protein that attaches the epidermis to the skin’s deeper layers.

Diagnosis

Classification

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex may be divided into multiple types:

Management

• No cure for EB
• Treat symptoms
• Protect skin, stop blister formation, promote healing
• Prevent complications
• Necessary treatment: use oral and topical steroid for healing and prevent complication
• Maintain cool environment, avoid overheating and decreases friction

References

References

1. Freedberg, et al. (2003). ''Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine''. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. {{ISBN. 0-07-138076-0.
2. (2020-09-24). "Epidermolysis bullosa". Nature Reviews Disease Primers.
3. "Epidermolysis bullosa simplex - About the Disease - Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center".
4. So, Jodi Y.. (1993). "Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex". University of Washington, Seattle.
5. "Epidermolysis bullosa simplex: MedlinePlus Genetics".
6. James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. {{ISBN. 0-7216-2921-0.
7. Harel, A, et al. "Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex with Mottled Pigmentation Resulting from a Recurrent Mutation in KRT14." ''Journal of Investigative Dermatology''. (2006) 126, 1654–1657. {{doi. 10.1038/sj.jid.5700296; published online 6 April 2006. [http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v126/n7/pdf/5700296a.pdf]
8. Rapini, Ronald P.. (2007). "Dermatology: 2-Volume Set". Mosby.