Head and neck complications of epidermolysis bullosa

Abstract

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare congenital skin disease which is characterized by easy formation of traumatic skin bullae. The disease is usually detected in early infancy due to the recurrent bullae. Prognosis is dependent on the histological variant which is present. A case of autosomal recessive epidermolysis bullosa is presented, which demonstrates many of the head and neck complications of the disease. Traditional skin care modalities as well as multiple surgical procedures such as skin grafts and the use of amniotic membrane were used without success. Limited natural healing, which was possibly promoted by oral phenytoin, has occurred.