An inherited disorder of collagen, the most important structural protein in the body. Affected individuals have abnormally stretchy, thin skin that bruises easily. Wounds are slow to heal and leave paper-thin scars, and the joints are loose and prone to recurrent dislocation. Sufferers bleed easily from the gums and digestive tract. Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is most often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern (see genetic disorders). There is no known specific treatment.
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome |
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