Health and Fitness

 Erythrokeratoderma Summary Erythrokeratoderma is an umbrella term for a group of rare genetic skin disorders characterized by well-demarcated plaques of reddened, dry and thickened skin. Typically, these lesions are distributed symmetrically on the body and tend to slowly expand and progress over time. The severity and progression of the disorder can vary greatly from one person to another, even among members of the same family. Progressive symmetric erythrokeratoderma (PSEK) and erythokeratodermia variabilis et progressiva (EKVP) are the most common forms of erythrokeratoderma. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS The symptoms of PSEK usually develop shortly after birth or during the first year of life. Infants develop reddened plaques of thickened, rough and/or scaly skin, especially on the face, buttocks, arms and legs. Over time, these lesions can cover large areas of the body. The distribution of these lesions is almost perfectly symmetrical, meaning the size, shape and location of the lesio...

 Erdheim Chester Disease DISEASE OVERVIEW Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystem disorder of adulthood. It is characterized by excessive production and accumulation of histiocytes within multiple tissues and organs. Histiocytes are large phagocytic cells (macrophages) that normally play a role in responding to infection and injury. (A phagocytic cell is any “scavenger cell” that engulfs and destroys invading microorganisms or cellular debris.) In people with ECD, sites of involvement may include the long bones, skin, tissues behind the eyeballs, lungs, brain, pituitary gland and/or additional tissues and organs. Associated symptoms and findings and disease course depend on the specific location and extent of such involvement. The underlying cause of ECD is thought to be a malignancy of the myeloid progenitor cells. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS ECD characteristically affects certain regions of the long bones of the legs, including the shafts (diaphyses) and the areas (i.e., met...

 Epitheliopathy, Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment DISEASE OVERVIEW Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a rare eye disorder of unknown (idiopathic) cause. The disorder is characterized by the impairment of central vision in one eye (unilateral) but, within a few days, the second eye may also become affected (bilateral). In most cases, the disorder resolves within a few weeks without loss of clearness of vision (acuity). However, in some cases, visual acuity does not improve. This disorder occurs predominantly in young adults, with a mean age of onset of 27 years. It is reported that, in approximately one-third of the cases, an influenza-like illness preceded the development of the disorder. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Prior to the onset of disease, about 33% of patients present with flu-like or viral symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph glands, nausea, vomiting, joint pain and/or tenderness. Moderate to severe headaches may also be present and, ...

Epidermolytic Ichthyosis DISEASE OVERVIEW Epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI) is a genetic skin disorder that is characterized by varying degrees of blistering and scaling of the skin. The symptoms of the disease are often noticed at birth or shortly after, and symptoms change as the patient ages. Symptoms may vary from mild blistering upon friction to severe erosions or widespread warty scaling. Hair and nail abnormalities, reduced sweating and the formation of calluses on the palms or soles (palmoplantar keratoderma) of the feet can also occur. Under a microscope, the skin may show mid-epidermal splitting and skin thickening (hyperkeratosis). Current treatments address the specific symptoms and can include topical treatments, medications and antiseptic washes for skin infections. The cosmetic issues and sometimes unpleasant odor associated with EI can lead to stress and psychological distress. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS The symptoms of EI progress with the patient’s age. Infants more commonly sh...

 Epidermolysis Bullosa Overview Epidermolysis bullosa (ep-ih-dur-MOL-uh-sis buhl-LOE-sah) is a rare condition that causes fragile, blistering skin. The blisters may appear in response to minor injury, even from heat, rubbing or scratching. In severe cases, the blisters may occur inside the body, such as the lining of the mouth or stomach. Epidermolysis bullosa is inherited, and it usually shows up in infants or young children. Some people don't develop symptoms until they're teens or young adults. Epidermolysis bullosa has no cure, but mild forms may improve with age. Treatment focuses on caring for blisters and preventing new ones. Symptoms Epidermolysis bullosa symptoms include: *Fragile skin that blisters easily, especially on the palms and feet *Nails that are thick or unformed *Blisters inside the mouth and throat *Scalp blistering and hair loss (scarring alopecia) *Skin that looks thin *Tiny pimple-like bumps (milia) *Dental problems, such as tooth decay *Difficulty swall...

 Epidermal Nevus Syndromes  DISEASE OVERVIEW Epidermal nevus syndromes (ENSs) are a group of rare complex disorders characterized by the presence of skin lesions known as epidermal nevi associated with additional extra-cutaneous abnormalities, most often affecting the brain, eye and skeletal systems. Epidermal nevi are overgrowths of structures and tissue of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. The different types of epidermal nevi can vary in size, number, location, distribution and appearance. Neurological abnormalities that can be associated with ENSs can include seizures, cognitive impairment, developmental delays and paralysis of one side of the body (hemiparesis). Skeletal abnormalities can include abnormal curvature of the spine, malformation of the hip and abnormalities of the arms and legs (e.g., underdevelopment or absence or overgrowth of limbs). Ocular abnormalities may include cataracts, clouding (opacity) of the cornea or partial absence of tissue of t...

 Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis DISEASE OVERVIEW Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare digestive disease characterized by the triad of eosinophilic infiltration of segments of the gastrointestinal tract, abnormalities of gastrointestinal function (varying from dyspepsia and obstruction to diarrhea and ascites) and exclusion of other diseases with peripheral eosinophilia. Eosinophilic esophagitis is increasingly being recognized and is not included in this report SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Eosinophilic gastroenteritis may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. Symptoms include dysphagia (sometimes presenting as food impaction), heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloating (ascites is possible). The eosinophilic infiltration may involve one or more layers of the gastrointestinal wall. The particular symptoms present in each person depend upon the layer and the location of involvement. Most commonly, the stomach wal...