Epidermolysis bullosa simplex in Infant/Neonate
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Synopsis

EB simplex is the most common form of EB. It is most often caused by mutations within the genes encoding for keratins-5 and -14, with the vast majority being autosomal dominantly transmitted. There are 2 major types of EB simplex, basilar and suprabasilar, based on the ultrastructural site within which blisters arise. Most subtypes are basilar. On the basis of collective clinical findings, in conjunction with ultrastructural and molecular data, basilar EB simplex is further divided into 3 main subtypes:
- EBS, localized (EBS-loc; formerly known as EB simplex Weber-Cockayne), the mildest EB simplex subtype, is associated with blisters primarily limited to the palms and soles.
- EBS, generalized severe (EBS-gen sev; formerly known as Dowling-Meara type) is a severe subtype characterized by widespread blistering, herpetiform or arcuate grouping of blisters, possible internal organ involvement (to rarely include the upper airway), and the potential for death in the neonatal period.
- EBS, generalized intermediate (EBS-gen intermed; formerly known as Koebner type), is an EB simplex subtype having more widespread cutaneous involvement than EBS-loc but little or no extracutaneous disease activity.
In the mildest cases of EB simplex, first signs may not develop until the child begins to walk or crawl, whereas large bullae and erosions are usually present at birth or within the first days of life in infants having a generalized EB simplex subtype. All forms of EB simplex worsen in hot, humid environments, and most improve with age. Treatment is supportive.
There are some patients with a dominant mutation that promotes ubiquitination and excessive proteolysis of KRT14.
Related topic: Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Codes
ICD10CM:Q81.0 – Epidermolysis bullosa simplex
SNOMEDCT:
67144006 – Epidermolysis bullosa simplex
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
During the perinatal period, the differential diagnosis should include:- Sucking blisters
- Bullous impetigo
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)
- Congenital or neonatal herpes simplex or varicella infection
- Aplasia cutis
- Other forms of inherited EB (EBS-gen sev, dystrophic EB, and junctional EB).
On the basis of history and clinical findings, other conditions that may need to be considered in childhood include but are not limited to the following:
- Child abuse
- Epidermolytic ichthyosis
- Bullous mastocytosis
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria
- Chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood (linear IgA disease)
- Bullous pemphigoid
- Cicatricial pemphigoid
- Congenital syphilis
- EB simplex may be mimicked by bullous tinea pedis
- Dyshidrotic dermatitis
- Insect bites
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
- Common friction blisters
- Peeling skin syndrome
- Burn (see thermal or electrical burn; chemical burns are covered separately, by chemical agent)
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Reviewed:10/03/2018
Last Updated:01/16/2022
Last Updated:01/16/2022