What does Ehlers-Danlos skin look like?

People who have vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome often share distinctive facial features of a thin nose, thin upper lip, small earlobes and prominent eyes. They also have thin, translucent skin that bruises very easily. In fair-skinned people, the underlying blood vessels are very visible through the skin.

How does Ehlers-Danlos affect the skin?

The different structure of the skin in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes makes it more fragile than normal skin. Stretchiness, abnormal scarring, stretch marks at a young age, easy bruising and slow wound healing are all signs of EDS, but the presence and severity of these issues will depend on the type.

Do Collagen supplements help Ehlers-Danlos?

Bottom Line: No established research or clinical experience has proven that collagen supplementation is helpful for persons with EDS! Theoretically, a diet adequate in glycine, proline, lysine, and vitamin C (or supplementation) would support collagen biosynthesis.

Which layer of skin is most affected by EDS?

In Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), skin collagen alteration can be seen in the reticular dermis. Two abnormalities are evident: irregularities in the diameter of the fibrils and irregular collagen shapes. Fibrils can be large and irregular in some types (types I-III), but they can also be small or varied in others.

What is Hyperelastic skin?

Hyperelastic skin is skin that can be stretched beyond what is considered normal. The skin returns to normal after it is stretched. This picture shows the unusually elastic skin (can be stretched much further than normal skin) of a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects connective tissues.

Does Ehlers Danlos cause itchy skin?

The features of MCAD in patients can be very varied, probably because of the genetic differences of each person. Symptoms can include itching, redness, and damage to the skin, diarrhea, or pain in the abdomen among others.

Can EDS cause skin rashes?

Other, less common EDS skin features include circular rashes on the neck and joints, caused by pieces of elastic fibers that protrude from skin’s lower layers into the upper layers, and small lumps called piezogenic papules that appear on the heels and wrists when pressure is applied.

Is Magnesium good for EDS?

“While magnesium deficiency is serious for anybody, persons with EDS should take note that magnesium plays a particularly important part in connective tissue and collagen metabolism and tissue maintenance in general. Magnesium deficiency may even accelerate aging.”

Does vitamin C help EDS?

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) may be recommended to help reduce the easy bruising that accompanies EDS. Hypermobile joints easily dislocate. With each dislocation, subsequent dislocations are increasingly likely, therefore prevention is particularly important for quality of life.

Does EDS cause loose skin?

Patients with EDS often have skin that can be describes as “velvety”, “loose”. This skin characteristic predisposes patients to problems with wound healing. Patients will often note that they develop “paper-thin” scars. Patients also have excessively flexible, loose joints.

What are the treatments for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome aims to prevent dangerous complications. It can also help protect the joints, skin, and other tissues from injuries. An individual’s treatment depends on many factors, including the type of the disorder and symptoms. To protect the skin, doctors recommend using sunscreen and mild soaps.

Can Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) affect your skin?

Skin issues are common to people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Here is more information about how EDS can affect your skin, as well as some ways in which you can manage these problems. How may EDS affect your skin?

How many types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are there?

Doctors classify Ehlers-Danlos syndrome into 13 types based on their most notable features and the parts of the body where symptoms appear. People with the most common type have symptoms including very loose joints and fragile skin that tears easily. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can be genetic, meaning it is passed down through family members.

Are chemical peels safe for people with Ehlers-Danlos disease?

Chemical peels can also make the skin more fragile, so it’s best to avoid those as well. Ehlers-Danlos News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.