Information and support available for patients with the genetic skin blistering conditions known as epidermolysis bullosa (EB)

The catalogue contains information about epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a group of rare genetic skin blistering conditions that make the skin extremely fragile where either the slightest knock or friction can cause it to blister and tear. It is important that GPs and other healthcare professionals can recognise EB symptoms and distinguish it from other inflammatory skin conditions. With a diagnosis the patient can then be referred to the specialist EB healthcare they need, and which is available to them through the four NHS EB healthcare centres of excellence and the Scottish EB healthcare service. However too often the condition goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed. To help create a base understanding of the condition and to support GPs in recognising the symptoms of the different types of EB, an EB CPD module has been created and is now hosted here on the NHS e-learning platform. This module, developed with EB clinicians and GPs, compares the symptoms of EB compared to those of other inflammatory skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema and includes images of the different types of EB and how it presents. This resource will hopefully help to increase understanding of this rare condition and ensure that patients affected by any form of EB get access to the specialist healthcare support that is available through the NHS.