Ectodermal dysplasia

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Skin layers

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Improvements in the appearance and in function can be made with the use of wigs in the absence of scalp hair and dentures to replace missing and defective teeth. Synthetic tears may be necessary to replace normal tearing and prevent drying of the eyes. It may be helpful to spray the nostrils with saline nose spray frequently to remove debris and prevent infection.

Temperature control is a constant problem. Affected people require a cooler climate and may require frequent cooling water baths or sprays to maintain a normal body temperature. (Water evaporating from the skin replaces the cooling function of sweat evaporating from the skin.)

Having ectodermal dysplasia will not shorten your life span, but you must pay constant attention to temperature regulation and other problems you may have.

• Febrile seizures   -- seizures caused by high fever
• Brain damage caused by increased body temperature

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your child shows symptoms of this disorder.

Review Date: 11/21/2005
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.