What is Ectodermal Dysplasia?

Ectodermal dysplasia is a condition that is inherited hereditary. In this the skin develops in abnormal way with abnormality observed in nails, hair and sweat glands. Every individual may reflect different blending of defects. And every permutation is considered as different Ectodermal dysplasia. It is popularly termed as ED. Combinations of defective condition like missing teeth with defective nails, or thin hair and inability to sweat or scanty hair with loss of hearing are certain examples and each condition is termed with a specific name.

ED is caused by altered genes. Genes could mutate or be inherited. The chances of ED running in families depend on family history. Numerous kind of ectodermal dysplasia is associated with X-linked kind of anhidrotic Ectodermal dysplasia. Being X- linked mostly males are associated while in some cases it has been found that females show symptoms. While in autosomal forms both males and females are affected.

Among kids, trouble in fever control due to absence of sweat glands may happen. Such people may find difficulty to bear warm environment. They have to make special measures to regulate body temperature to normal. While in other cases Mucus membrane can cause infections of nasal track or other respiratory condition, in other case thin hair or abnormal teeth are common. The treatment is limited and only improvements in appearance could be made with wig, dentures and other cosmetic procedures etc. while the major problem comes with body temperature control as such person may need cool temperature and cooler environment. Frequent baths become must. The eccrine glands are missing resulting in reduced or no sweating. In some cases mental retardation is also noticed.

The general appearance of such persons may be difficult but they could be recognized with ailments like syphilis, among secondary atrophic rhinitis leprosy is seen, unusual maggots in the nasal opening.