Ectodermal dysplasia

:: Definition :: Images :: Causes :: Symptoms :: Treatment

Search results last updated: 5/7/2009

ectodermal dysplasia - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Ectodermal dysplasia: A genetic disorder in which there is abnormal development of the skin and associated structures (the hair, nails, teeth, and sweat glands). The most dangerous problem occurs in cases with decreased sweating due to absence of the sweat glands. Affected persons have trouble controlling fevers and being in a warm environment. The hair may also be absent or sparse. The skin tends to be thin and light in color. Problems with the lining inside the nose predispose to chronic nasal infections. The teeth may be notably absent or develop abnormally. ...
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ectodermal dysplasia - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)

Skin layers

Causes of ectodermal dysplasia (Source: MedLinePlus)

There are many different types of ectodermal dysplasia. Many gene defects can cause ectodermal dysplasias. The most common form of ectodermal dysplasia usually affects men. Other forms of the disease affect men and women equally. ... [ read more.. ]

Symptoms of ectodermal dysplasia (Source: MedLinePlus)

People with ectodermal dysplasia may not sweat or may have decreased sweating because of a lack of sweat glands. Children with the disease may have difficulty controlling fevers. Mild illness can produce extremely high fevers, because the skin cannot sweat and control temperature properly. Affected adults are unable to tolerate a warm environment and need special measures to keep a normal body temperature. Other symptoms include: Abnormal nails; Abnormal or missing teeth; Absent or very thin hair; Absent or decreased tears; Decreased skin color (pigment); Foul-smelling nasal discharge ; Heat intolerance ; Inability to sweat; Large forehead; Light coloring; Lower than normal number of teeth; Low nasal bridge; Poor hearing; Poor temperature regulation; Poor vision; Thin hair; Thin skin. ... [ read more.. ]

ectodermal dysplasia - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Some things you can do include: Wear a wig and dentures to improve appearance. Use artificial tears to replace normal tearing and prevent drying of the eyes. Spray the nostrils with saline nose spray often to remove debris and prevent infection. Live in a cooler climate and take cooling water baths or use water sprays to keep a normal body temperature (water evaporating from the skin replaces the cooling function of sweat evaporating from the skin). ... [ read more.. ]

	ectodermal dysplasia: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

ectodermal dysplasia: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web