Hyperelastic skin

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Ehlers-Danlos, hyperelasticity of the skin

India rubber skin

People with hyperelastic skin are more likely than others to experience damage to the skin (cuts, scrapes, scarring). The skin may be more delicate than normal skin. Extra care must be taken to avoid damage to the skin, and the skin should be examined frequently for problems. Consult your health care provider for specific recommendations.

• Your child appears to have delicate skin
• The skin appears to be very stretchy

Your doctor will perform a physical examination.

Your doctor may ask questions about your symptoms, such as:

• Did the skin appear abnormal at or near the time of birth, or did this develop over time?
• Is there a history of the skin becoming damaged easily, or being slow to heal?
• Was Ehlers-Danlos syndrome suspected or confirmed as a diagnosis for you or any member of your family?
• What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination may include detailed skin, skeleton, and muscle examination. The joints may be moved in several directions to assess the distance and direction of movement in each joint.

If Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is suspected, medical tests may include:

• Lysyl oxidase (an enzyme detected with a blood test)
• Lysyl hydroxylase (an enzyme detected with a blood test)
• Serum copper level
• Serum ceruloplasmin level
• Collagen typing (determines the particular type of collagen fiber affected -- this can help to predict future problems)
• Platelet aggregation test
• Skin biopsy

If Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is diagnosed, your physician may wish to refer you to other health care providers such as rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, geneticists, and dentists.

Review Date: 10/13/2006
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.