Home Remedies and Herbs for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) also known as Butterfly Disease is a group of rare diseases that causes the "Butterfly Children" condition. Those who are affected have very fragile skin and because the skin is so fragile, it can easily develop blisters.¹ These skin blisters occur as a response to several different triggers or reactions. While blisters most commonly form on the external layer of the skin, blisters can also form inside the mouth or within the lining of the intestine.² Epidermolysis bullosa typically forms during infancy or young childhood. However, some people (butterfly children) may not form epidermolysis bullosa symptoms until adolescence or adulthood.²

What Causes Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)?

Most epidermolysis bullosa (butterfly disease) causes are hereditary. Researchers have found more than a dozen genes that are responsible for skin formation that, when they become defective, they can cause epidermolysis bullosa (EB) to form.³ There are a few main types of epidermolysis bullosa, each with their own cause. Here are two of the main types of epidermolysis bullosa causes:³

• Epidermolysis bullosa simplex - Caused by faulty genes that make up the top layer of the skin. This is likely due to inheriting a defective gene from one parent.
• Junctional epidermolysis bullosa - Caused by a defective gene that creates blistering within the deep layers of the skin. This is due to both parents having a copy of this defective gene that was then passed on to their offspring.

There are other types of this disease that have other epidermolysis bullosa causes that are potentially not related to genetics.³

Epidermolysis Bullosa Symptoms

Epidermolysis symptoms include:⁴

• Fluid-filled blisters that appear on the skin, especially around the hands where it causes the most friction
• Loss of fingernails and toenails
• Internal blistering affecting the vocal cords and esophagus
• Thickened skin on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• Blistering on the scalp that leads to scarring or hair loss
• Small white bumps on the skin
• Tooth decay caused by poor enamel formation
• Difficulty swallowing due to blisters in the throat

Epidermolysis bullosa symptoms typically appear first during infancy. There are several epidermolysis bullosa natural cures that are safe to use on babies and children.

References

1. https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Epidermolysis_Bullosa/epidermolysis_bullosa_ff.asp
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epidermolysis-bullosa/basics/definition/con-20032497
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epidermolysis-bullosa/basics/causes/con-20032497
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epidermolysis-bullosa/basics/symptoms/con-20032497