An Unusual Case Report of Dystrophica Epidermolysis Bullosa in a Child

Abstract

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetically inherited severe skin disease involving dermal-epidermal junction. Based on the appearance and involvement, it is grouped into simplex, junctional & dystrophic forms. These disorders represent heterogeneous phenotypes and are correlated with a variable range of complications, from localized skin fragility to neonatal death. Genetic testing had made a precise diagnosis and it requires only supportive and symptomatic therapy. Here we report an atypical case of dystrophica epidermolysis bullosa in a 6-year-old male child. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a general term used for heterogeneous group of congenital, genetic blistering disorders. It has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. 1 It is characterized by induction of blisters by trauma, exacerbation of blistering in warm weather and healing with scarring. EB can be categorized under three major groups - epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). EB simplex has an incidence and a prevalence rate of 10.75 and 4.65, 2.04 and 0.44 of junctional EBs and 2.86 and 0.99 of dystrophic EBs and recessive dystrophic EB 2.04 and 0.92 respectively.2 The dystrophic forms are characterized by deformities of the skin including coalescence of the fingers, nail changes and milia formation.3 This case report highlights the rare presentation of recurrent episodes of blisters and limb deformities in 6 - year - old male children.