Can RDEB be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for RDEB, although considerable progress has been made in testing novel treatments including gene therapy (lentiviral and gamma retroviral vectors for COL7A1 supplementation in keratinocytes and fibroblasts), as well as cell therapy (use of allogeneic fibroblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells ( …

What does RDEB stand for?

Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa is an incurable, often fatal skin blistering condition caused by a lack of collagen protein in the skin. This makes the skin incredibly fragile, leading to blistering or skin loss at the slightest friction or knock.

What kind of doctor treats epidermolysis bullosa?

If you cannot go to an EB treatment center, you should see a doctor who has experience with EB, such as a pediatric dermatologist or dermatologist. In this case, your dermatologist may be the primary doctor you see about EB.

What is the life expectancy of a child with EB?

The disease appears at birth or during the first few years of life, and lasts a lifetime. Prognosis is variable, but tends to be serious. Life expectancy is 50 years, and the disease brings with it complications related to infections, nutrition and neoplastic complications.

What part of the body is affected by epidermolysis bullosa?

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex. It develops in the outer layer of skin and mainly affects the palms and the feet. The blisters usually heal without scarring.

How common is RDEB?

Considered together, the prevalence of recessive and dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is estimated to be 3.3 per million people.

How close is a cure for EB?

There is currently no cure for any form of EB, and treatment still focuses largely on wound care by protective bandaging to reduce pain and further damage, and managing complications from the risks of infection, fibrosis and poor nutritional status.

Why is there no cure for EB?

There is no cure for any of the subtypes of EB resulting from different mutations, and current therapy only focuses on the management of wounds and pain. Novel effective therapeutic approaches are therefore urgently required. Strategies include gene‐, protein‐ and cell‐based therapies.

Does EB get worse with age?

The outlook for children with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) depends very much on the disease type they inherited. Some forms are mild and even improve with age, while others are so severe that a child is unlikely to live into adulthood. Fortunately, the milder forms are most common.