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Ectodermal dysplasia

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Skin layers
Skin layers

Alternative Names    Return to top

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

Definition    Return to top

Ectodermal dysplasia is a group of conditions in which there is abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, or sweat glands.

Causes    Return to top

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.

Symptoms    Return to top

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:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment    Return to top

There is no specific treatment for this disorder.

Some things you can do include:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Having ectodermal dysplasia will not shorten your life span, but you must pay constant attention to temperature regulation and other problems associated with this condition.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your child shows symptoms of this disorder.

Prevention    Return to top

If you have a family history of ectodermal dysplasia and you are planning to have children, genetic counseling is recommended. In many cases it is possible to diagnose ectodermal dysplasia while the baby is still in the womb.

Update Date: 3/25/2008

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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