EB Simplex
Most forms of EB simplex are inherited as dominant traits, therefore, unlike in my own situation the family tend to already know that there is a possibility of having a child with this type of EB because it is already well known in that family. In my case with Dystrophic EB no-one in my family had it and no-one knew of anyone who had it before me therefore I was a complete surprise!
If, however a family is confronted with this type of EB for the first time it is known as a 'new mutation'.
The most common form of this type of EB has blistering on the hands and feet only. In these cases not many patients seek medical advise as the condition is manageable and mild and well known in the family from inherited cases. However another form of this EB causes blistering all over the body. Blistering can be spotted at birth or in later childhood. It is thought that there are more people with EB than are registered because this form of the condition can be so mild that people don't seek medical advice and do not need it as they don't feel that anything is grossly unusual.
The main cause of blistering is rubbing especially that caused by footwear. Blistering and rubbing is much worse in warm weather in this condition so choice of footwear is paramount.