Question

Skin Conditions - Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Why does the skin become extra stretchy and wound easily with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cutaneous asthenia, dermatosparaxis)?
A) Increased collagen production
B) Abnormal collagen structure or production
C) Excessive keratin formation
D) Impaired blood circulation in the skin

Answer 1

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome leads to abnormal collagen structure or production, causing the skin to become stretchy and fragile, which makes it wound easily.

Step-by-step explanation:

The skin becomes extra stretchy and wounds easily in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) primarily due to B) Abnormal collagen structure or production. Collagen, which is a crucial protein in the extracellular matrix (ECM) that provides strength and structure to various tissues, is affected by mutations in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. These mutations can involve the structure of collagen molecules particularly type-III collagen or the deficiency of enzymes like hydroxylase, which are essential for proper collagen synthesis. The abnormal or deficient collagen in EDS results in diminished structural integrity of skin, leading to increased elasticity and fragility, which is why the skin may stretch more than usual and wounds easily.