Medical Care
The treatment of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is primarily preventive and supportive. Once blistering has occurred, the blister should be punctured with a sterile needle or a blade. This may prevent the accumulation of fluid and pressure and may thus prevent the blister from extending. Complete and gentle drainage of the fluid, accomplished by leaving the roof of the blister intact and by covering the affected area with white petrolatum–impregnated gauze, helps to promote an environment most optimal for healing. If the blister repeatedly refills with fluid, it should be drained several times.
Open wounds should be covered with nonadherent dressings such as petrolatum-impregnated gauze, hydrogels, fenestrated silicone dressings or absorbent foam silicone dressings. Tape and any significant pressure to the skin must be avoided. Dressings can be held in place with rolled gauze (such as Kerlix), with tape applied only to the dressing itself or by stockinette (such as Surgifix or Spandage).
Some authors recommend daily application of polymyxin, bacitracin, or silver sulfadiazine topical ointments to treat open or partially healed wounds, which should be covered with petrolatum-impregnated gauze or nonadherent synthetic dressing. Gentamicin soaks (480 mg/L saline), acetic acid soaks (white vinegar), and the addition of small amounts of bleach to the bath water (eg, 1/8 cup per full tub) have been used to decrease the overgrowth of pseudomonas and staphylococcal organisms.
Corrective gene therapy is the ideal therapy for epidermolysis bullosa, but much more research is required before it can be developed and used in clinical practice. Cell-based therapies using fibroblasts and bone marrow cells have attracted considerable attention. [36]
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial determined that low-dose topical calcipotriol helped wounds close more quickly and significantly reduced pruritus. [37]
Mental health
Chronic anticipatory anxiety is a common problem in children with epidermolysis bullosa, especially as it relates to frequent wound care changes. There may be a negative effect on development, mental health, education, family relationships, and, potentially, brain function. Approximately 80% of patients with epidermolysis bullosa experience psychiatric symptoms, particularly anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Psychiatric screening should be incorporated into the multidisciplinary approach to the patient with epidermolysis bullosa. [38]
Surgical Care
Surgical procedures can correct the deformities of epidermolysis bullosa caused by repeated episodes of blistering and scarring of the hand. Ablative fractional laser surfacing has shown positive preliminary results in the management of dentition, pseudosyndactyly, and wounds. Unfortunately, most therapeutic improvements are often temporary because the recurring scars often require repeated procedures. [39] Esophageal dilatation or insertion of a gastrostomy tube may be required if esophageal strictures develop.
Patients with limited donor sites for a skin graft may need advanced therapy with bioengineered skin products. Several products (eg, composite cultured skin [CCS], Graftskin, Dermagraft) have been used in the treatment of patients with epidermolysis bullosa.
Consultations
A multidisciplinary team should perform a review in patients with epidermolysis bullosa to address the following issues:
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Regular skin care and dressing
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Pain management
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Nutrition
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Monitoring of blood levels
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Physiotherapy
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Dental treatment
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Occupational therapy
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Videofluoroscopy, barium swallow study, or both
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Echocardiography
When necessary, an ophthalmologist, a gastroenterologist, and plastic surgeon should be consulted.
Diet
Patients with extensive cutaneous injury require increased energy (caloric) and protein intake. Vitamin and iron supplements are advised if nutritional compromise is present. If esophageal strictures develop, a blenderized diet is recommended.
Activity
Patients should avoid unnecessary trauma to the skin. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and soft, well-ventilated leather shoes is advisable. Because increased ambient temperatures exacerbate most forms of epidermolysis bullosa, a cool environment is important.
Prevention
A water mattress and soft fleece covering help to limit the friction and trauma that lead to blistering.
Avoid directly taping to the skin.
Keeping the palms and soles cool and dry during hotter weather helps to minimize blistering, especially in the Weber-Cockayne type of epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS).
The baby should not be placed in an incubator unless reasons of prematurity prevent open crib, as heat and humidity place the baby at risk for blistering. [40]
Suctioning, nasally and orally, should be avoided. If necessary, a soft catheter should be used with minimal suction pressure. [40]
The umbilical cord should be secured with ligature, not a plastic clamp that can cause friction. [40]
The name band should be placed on clothing and not in contact with skin. [40]
Electrodes should be lubricated, with smallest diameter, and secured with a nonadhesive dressing. [40]
Thick padding should be applied between patient and blood pressure cuff. [40]
Encourage skin-to-skin contact with caretakers. [40]
Surgical procedures for other conditions require special considerations in pediatric EBS patients. [41]
Long-Term Monitoring
Preventive measures are the key to successful management of epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Epidermolysis bullosa requires cooperation of patients, parents, and physicians caring for the patient.
Medical surveillance for involvements of kidney, urinary tract, eye, and GI tract should become part of the routine evaluation of children and adults with epidermolysis bullosa.
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Ruptured bulla and newly erupted bulla of the leg in a newborn with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS).
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Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) with multiple blisters and erosions.
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Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) with generalized blistering and erosion.
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Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) that subsequently healed, with scarring.
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Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). Image shows a newborn with bulla of the finger, the usual site of blistering secondary to trauma.
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Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) with an associated defect of a congenital absence of the skin.
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Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) with an associated defect of a congenital absence of the skin and an ear anomaly.
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Contrast-enhanced radiograph of the abdomen suggestive of pyloric atresia (PA) in a patient with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). The association between PA and EB is a distinct entity and is now referred to as PA-EB syndrome.
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Electron micrograph of a skin sample shows cleavage in the intralaminar lucida in a neonate with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB).
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Dystrophic nails in a neonate with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
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Congenital localized absence of skin, nose, in a neonate with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB).
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Ruptured bullae on the abdomen in a neonate with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB).
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A large bullae on the elbow in a neonate with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB).
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Congenital localized absence of skin on the scrotum in a neonate with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). Absence of the foreskin was also noted.
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Severe right hydronephrosis in a neonate with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB).
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Genitourinary obstruction in a fetus with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). Prenatal ultrasonography reveals severe right hydronephrosis.
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Ruptured bulla of the hand in a newborn with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS).
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Abdominal radiography revealing a single gastric bubble in a neonate with pyloric atresia (PA) and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB).