Mysterious Diseases

Ectodermal Dysplasia is a hereditary disorder that involves two or more of the Ectodermal Structures.  The Ectodermal Structures are the skin, hair, nails, teeth, mucous membranes and the sweat glands.  It is also known as Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia.  The first report of Ectodermal Dysplasia was made in 1848, but the disorder was not officially named until 1929.

The symptoms of Ectodermal Dysplasia are a decrease number of teeth, peg teeth, delayed or absent tooth formation, inability to sweat, occasional absence of tears, thin skin, decreased pigment, foul-smelling nasal discharge, poor temperature regulation, heat intolerance, very little hair or absent hair, abnormal nails, low nasal bridge, large forehead, poor hearing and poor vision.

Tests used to diagnose Ectodermal Dysplasia are a biopsy of the mucous membranes, a biopsy of the skin and genetic testing.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS