- The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or SED refers to a group of inherited pathologies of the connective tissue that mainly affects the skin and joints, but can also affect other organs.
- SED affects connective tissues: tissues that support various parts of the body such as skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- In the SED the collagen fibrous protein has a defect, causing the connective tissue to be lacking in elasticity and strength.
What are the symptoms?
There are six main types of SED that differ depending on the type.
Some are characterized by:
- Skin problems, such as fragile skin that are injured or ripped; soft skin; and slow healing of wounds.
- Joint disorders, such as “double joints”, joint hypermobility, hyperextensibility of the skin; and problems similar to arthritis.
- Other types may manifest the following symptoms:
Pulmonary problems, weak blood vessels, eye problems, a curvature of the spine, gingivitis, problems of blood clotting.
How is it diagnosed?
- Review of medical and family history.
- Physical recognition, verify if there is an overextension of the joints.
- Skin biopsy, to study the chemical components of connective tissue.
Treatment options
Treatments may include:
- Diet supervised by the doctor for those overweight people
- Vitamin C
- Exercise
- Regular eye exams to detect any problems
- Protection of the joints
- Protection from the sun
- Surgery to correct fractures or dislocated joints