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Baby with EB

ABOUT EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB)

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic skin disorder. The skin, and in severe types the lining of the mouth and throat are fragile and blisters and wounds arise readily from minimal everyday friction and trauma.

What is EB?

It is a genetic condition. It cannot be caught from another person. The skin lacks vital sticky proteins which gives it its strength.

It is passed on in one of two ways:

  • One parent has the condition (dominant inheritance)
  • 2 parents are healthy carriers of a faulty gene (recessive inheritance).


There are 4 main types of EB:

  • EB simplex
  • Junctional EB
  • Dystrophic EB
  • Hemidesmosomal EB


EB is a complex disorder and advice should be sought from a multi disciplinary team within a specialised centre.

Click here to watch a patient testimonial about EB 

Child with EB

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Guidance must be followed from your specialised team of medical professionals.

Blisters should be lanced with a sterile hypodermic needle at their lowest point to prevent them from spreading.

If the roof of the blister remains intact and it is on a part of the body where it will not be knocked or rubbed, a dressing is generally not necessary.

Where the roof of the blister has been lost, an injury has caused skin loss or in those who have chronically unhealed wounds, a variety of dressings are available.

  • The dressing selected depends upon:
  • Personal preference
  • Depth of wound
  • Where the wound is on the body
  • If the wound is infected
  • How wet the wound is

 

It is very important to use a dressing which will not stick to the wound or the fragile skin around it as removing the dressing may make the wound worse or tear the skin.

Infection

When the skin is broken the barrier to infection is lost. It is important to keep the wound clean and many find using a cream or ointment containing an antiseptic will help to keep infection at bay. 

Signs of infection include:

  • An increase in pain
  • Odour
  • Redness
  • Pus
  • Fever
  • Delayed healing or enlargement of the wound
  • Poor feeding, diarrhoea and vomiting in babies

 

Not all of these may be present but if you are concerned that a wound may have become infected then see your doctor immediately.

 

If you want more detailed information about the dicese you can visit http://www.debra.org/international. Debra International is a worldwide network of patient support groups whose collective goal is to help people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

 

child with EB

MINIMISING PAIN

EB is a painful condition. Blisters and wounds cause pain, but EB can be a complex condition and pain may arise from other sites. Your doctor and staff at your specialised EB centre can prescribe medication to reduce pain.

Choosing the correct dressing will help reduce pain when the dressing is changed. If your skin is very fragile seek advice from your EB nurse before using any new dressings.

Help

Mölnlycke Health Care dressings have a gentle surface which prevents the dressing from damaging the wound or skin when it is removed. This is called Safetac® technology. Click here to learn more about Safetac technology. If your skin is very fragile seek advice from your EB nurse before using any new dressings

If you want to learn more about pain and how you can minimise it, please visit our Pain centre by clicking the button. 
 

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO GET MORE INFO ABOUT THE PRODUCTS

Mepitel

Mepitel®

  • Protects blisters and wounds
  • Will not disrupt wound tissue or blisters
  • Is placed between the blister/wound and an absorbent dressing or pad
  • Has a Safetac layer making it less painful to remove
  • Can be left on for up to 2 weeks (more info on the product page)

Mepilex®

  • Cushioning and protection
  • Use on exuding wounds
  • Is very soft and comfortable 
  • Has a Safetac layer making it less painful to remove
  • Absorbs exudate (wound fluid) 
  • Keeps the wound moist which makes it heal faster 
  • Does not harm the surrounding skin
Mepilex Lite

Mepilex®Lite

  • Protects wounds and skin
  • Use on wounds with less wound exudate (wound fluid) 
  • Is very thin, soft and comfortable 
  • Has a Safetac layer making it less painful to remove
  • Keeps the wound moist which makes it heal faster  
  • Does not harm the surrounding skin

Mepilex®Transfer

  • Protects wounds and the skin
  • Use on exuding wounds
  • Is conformable to the wound, provides comfort  
  • Has a Safetac layer making it less painful to remove
  • Fluid is transferred from the wound to a secondary dressing  
  • Does not harm the surrounding skin
  • Mepitac

    Mepitac®

    • Gentle fixation tape for sensitive/fragile skin
    • Minimises pain and skin damage at removal due to a Safetac layer close to
      the skin
    • Is soft and comfortable
    • Water proof
    • Low risk of skin irritation and allergy
    Contact us about EB

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