Genetic condition. Five-year old girl with recessive dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB). This is a very rare genetic disease of the connective ti
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Contributor:
Science Photo Library / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2ACJ8DBFile size:
25.1 MB (1,009.6 KB Compressed download)Releases:
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3071 x 2857 px | 26 x 24.2 cm | 10.2 x 9.5 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
23 February 2011Photographer:
Science Photo LibraryMore information:
Genetic condition. Five-year old girl with recessive dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB). This is a very rare genetic disease of the connective tissues in the skin and mucosal membranes. A mutation in one of two genes encoding type VII collagen (COL7A1) means that no collagen forms between the two layers of skin - the dermis and epidermis. This allows them to move across each other at the slightest pressure, resulting in blisters and painful sores. Extreme cases see this blistering affecting most of the skin. The pain is said to be equivalent to third-degree burns. Incidence of EB is about 1 in 20, 000 births, of which about 5% are RDEB. Children with the condition are known as 'Butterfly children', because their skin is said to be as fragile as butterfly wings.