Epidermolysis bullosa: understanding the clinical features

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an umbrella term used for a group of genetic disorders characterised by skin fragility and blistering. There are estimated to be 5,000 affected individuals in the UK.¹ Although EB is rare and often cared for by specialist centres, it is a useful condition for all dermatologists to understand for a number of reasons. First, understanding EB can help us to better appreciate the elements of the dermo-epidermal junction, which is involved in many dermatological disorders. Second, there is a high volume of research activity within EB, so the condition is often encountered in medical journals and even newspapers. Finally, and most importantly, being able to make a diagnosis, and therefore direct patients to specialised EB care, can be life-changing.