Bullous epidermolysis, or butterfly disease, is a fairly rare and dangerous disease. This is a genetic form of dermatitis, which is characterized by birth defects in the structure of the skin. Unfortunately, to date, there is no effective treatment for such a violation.
Butterfly disease: causes and symptoms . As already mentioned, such a disease is hereditary and usually manifests itself immediately after the birth of the child. What is the cause of this disease? First you need to consider the structure of the skin of a normal person.
In humans, the upper layer of the skin, or epidermis, is intended to protect against the influence of the external environment. In normal condition, it connects to a deeper ball - dermis. In patients diagnosed with a butterfly disease, the connections between the epidermis and the dermis are absent or not strong enough to hold all skin layers together. That is why the skin of such a child is prone to injury.
Congenital epidermolysis bullosa appears immediately after birth. Wounds and sores appear on the skin even from the slightest external influence. If a child touches something, then a trace immediately appears on the skin. Of course, butterfly disease is accompanied by constant pain.
As the disease progresses, the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and larynx are also affected, which makes it difficult for the child to eat. In a later stage, tooth loss, damage to the mucous membrane of the esophagus and intestines can be observed.
Of course, butterfly disease itself is not fatal. But living in such a state is difficult. In addition, permanent wounds, poorly healing ulcers and vesicles are an excellent gateway to fungal, bacterial and viral infections. In the absence of the necessary care, the development of sepsis and the appearance of foci of necrosis are observed.
Bullous epidermolysis: treatment methods . Unfortunately, today the disease is incurable. The main methods of treatment are aimed at preventing infection and the development of sepsis.
In some cases, the child needs regular therapy with glucocorticoid hormones. Such treatment helps prevent the appearance of a rash and blisters on the skin, mucous membranes of the internal organs. Sometimes they are treated with immunomodulators, which help the body fight infections.
A sick child needs constant care, which includes regular disinfection of wounds and dressings. Wounds are treated with olive oil, vitamin solutions, ointments containing antibiotics, herbal infusions. Very useful for diseased skin is a healing bath with a decoction of oak bark, a string, chamomile or a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Particular attention must be paid to nutrition. In the first months of life, breastfeeding is mandatory. In the future, the food should be liquid, without salt, spices or any irritating foods. After feeding, the baby must rinse his mouth with warm, digested water - this will prevent the appearance of bubbles and suppuration on the gums.
Shoes and clothes should be as soft as possible and made exclusively from natural fabrics. If the bones are not deformed, then the child should move - this will help prevent the appearance of contractures.
Butterfly disease is often accompanied by the development of anemia, which is extremely dangerous for a sick child. That is why it is necessary to constantly monitor the state of the blood, and, if necessary, transfusion of plasma and albumin.
Sometimes, “Tocopherol acetate” is used in treatment, a drug that stimulates the production of elastic and collagenic fibers of the dermis. Therapy takes place in several stages and involves several repeated courses. For some patients, this particular treatment has become a salvation.
In any case, butterfly disease is a very serious disease that needs constant treatment.