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Stretchy Skin Disease Facts

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), also known as stretchy skin disease, affects the skin, joints and blood vessels. It is a genetic disorder that interrupts the production of collagen in your connective tissue. EDS affects 1 in 10,000 people each year. The result is flexible and weakened joints, pain, and fragility and stretch in the skin.

  1. Types

    • There are six major types of this disorder: Classical, Hypermobility, Kyphoscoliosis, Arthrochalsia, Dermatosparaxis and Tenascin-X deficient. All types affect the joints and most affect the skin and blood vessels. Treatment of EDS is usually dependent upon the symptoms of the particular type that you have.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of stretchy skin disease vary, but there are commonalities among most patients with EDS. The general symptoms include:
      • Stretchy and fragile skin
      • Hernia
      • Easy bruising and scarring
      • Extremely flexible joints
      • Muscle weakness and fatigue
      • Easy dislocation of shoulders, knees, hips and wrist
      • Heart problems
      • Circulation problems

    Causes

    • The basic cause of EDS is genetics. There is a disruption during production of collagen. Collagen is the material that gives strength and elasticity to connective tissues, such as skin, ligaments, cartilage and blood vessels. That genetic disruption is passed from parent to child. A child needs only one gene of the mutation passed from one parent to develop the disease.

    Treatment

    • Treatment focuses on managing symptoms of the patient and preventing any possible complications of the disease. Patients may be put on a strategic self care program, tailored to their specific type of EDS. Specialists may also be on your treatment team, such as cardiologists. Because a symptom of EDS is blood vessel complication, a cardiologist may be charged with treating blood flow, circulation or cardiac issues. Surgery may be required to treat joint damage or severe skin tears.

    Pain Management

    • Pain management is necessary for patients with chronic joint pain. Pain medicine and physical therapy are common among patients with EDS. Exercise programs may also be tailored to your condition to assist in managing your pain and developing more strength without the need for medication.

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