Epidermolysis bullosa, also known as EB, is usually an inherited connective tissue disease. This disease manifests itself from birth or shortly after. It causes large, fluid-filled blisters in the skin and mucous membranes. Friction or even an increase in ambient temperature can cause these blisters to form. EB affects approximately 50 in 1 million live births. The disease is known to affect all racial and ethnic groups and affects both men and women around the world. The disease has been seen in a wide variety of forms, from mild to fatal, affecting certain organs. Epidermolysis bullosa is the result of a mutation in the keratin or collagen gene. There are three layers of skin epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers. Epidermolysis bullosa affects the upper two layers. For those not affected by EB, there are protein anchors that prevent the top two layers from moving without unison or shear. But those affected by EB lack the protein anchors made of collagen. This is what creates friction between the layers and this friction and pressure causes painful blisters and sores that have been compared to third degree burns. There are four main types of epidermolysis bullosa: dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, epidermolysis bullosa simplex, hemindesmosomal epidermolysis bullosa, and junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Even within the main types, there are many subtypes, including acquired bullous epidermis, usually appearing in adults over 50 years of age. This specific type is also linked to Cohen's disease and lupus. A doctor may suspect epidermolysis bullosa by the appearance of your skin, but many tests must be performed on a patient to fully diagnose the condition. Lots of te...... middle of paper ......and crystal skin children according to some articles. Since this condition is hereditary, there is no way to prevent someone from being born with epidermolysis bullosa. Genetic counseling is an option for parents with a family history of epidermolysis bullosa. To prevent any current skin trauma or blistering in epidermolysis bullosa, it is helpful to wear padding around trauma-prone areas and contact sports should be strongly avoided. Many different medications can be prescribed, steroids being one of them. Calcium and vitamin D are supplements also used in treatment. Living with this condition can be painful and complicated, but with proper care and knowledge of your specific type of epidermolysis bullosa, you may be able to live a long life. SOME EXAMPLES OF THE VARIETY OF SEVERITY FOUND IN EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSIS