Jonathan Moon
American Fork Junior High
A2
2/24/17
Abstract
Ectodermal Dysplasia is a group of conditions that interfere with the normal functions of skin, hair, nails, teeth or sweat glands. These abnormalities cause various issues with everyday activities such as eating, brushing hair, exercising, and blinking. This paper will explain how this disease occurs, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Causes of ED
Ectodermal Dysplasia, or ED, is a genetic disorder that can be inherited or genes can mutate. “ED was first described by a man named John Thurnam in 1848 as a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by developmental dystrophies of ectodermal structures. About 192 clinically and genetically distinct ectodermal dysplasia have been catalogued. This X-linked autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive disorder affects males and is inherited through female carriers”. (Thabusum,D.A.)
Symptoms of ED
“Because of such inheritance pattern males have …show more content…
Depending on what type of ED and what the patient wants done, can determine treatment options. For someone with peg shaped teeth, or no teeth at all, they can get dentures or implants to give the appearance of normal, healthy teeth. Clearly the options would change for a patient with frail hair. The patient might shave their hair and wear a wig, or get hair implants of some kind. Other options like vitamin supplements, pain killers, or steroids may alleviate the symptoms of the patient. Having a decreased amount of sweat glands of ineffective sweat glands may be treated by a spray bottle of water, taking cold baths, or moving to a cooler climate. This will regulate the internal temperature of the patient. Artificial tears can be used to lessen dry eyes and decrease irritation or eyes. Saline sprays can be used in removal of debris in nostrils to decrease risk of infection and increase ease of patients