Independent education resourceInformation here does not replace care from a qualified health professional.
Peptide Therapy GuideClear peptide education

Educational guide

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Summary Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders that weaken connective tissues . Connective tissues are proteins that support skin, bones, blood vessels, and other organs. EDS usually affects your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Sym

Written by Peptide Therapy Guide Editorial Team
For education only

This guide cannot diagnose a condition or recommend a personal treatment plan. Discuss medical questions with a qualified professional.

Summary

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders that weaken connective tissues . Connective tissues are proteins that support skin, bones, blood vessels, and other organs.

EDS usually affects your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Symptoms include:

  • Loose joints
  • Fragile, small blood vessels
  • Abnormal scar formation and wound healing
  • Soft, velvety, stretchy skin that bruises easily

There are several types of EDS. They can range from mild to life-threatening. About 1 in 5,000 people has EDS. There is no cure. Treatment involves managing symptoms, often with medicines and physical therapy. It also includes learning how to protect your joints and prevent injuries.

Learn More

  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type (Marfan Foundation) - PDF

Genetics

  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics (National Library of Medicine)

Clinical Trials

  • ClinicalTrials.gov: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (National Institutes of Health)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

  • Article: Diagnostic value of piezogenic papules in childhood: A scoping review and...
  • Article: Computable Phenotype for Identifying Undiagnosed Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Protocol for a...
  • Article: A functional framework in patient fibroblasts informs ATP7A variant pathogenicity and...
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome -- see more articles

Find an Expert

  • Find a Genetic Counselor (National Society of Genetic Counselors) Also in Spanish

Connected reading

Helpful context for this guide

Source-derived material selected through this article’s indexed topics.

Related questions

01What you can do

Before your appointment, it can help to write down: What symptoms you've been having and when they started. Whether any blood relatives, such as parents, grandparents or siblings, have had similar symptoms. If any blood relatives have died from a blood vessel or organ rupture. All medicines and supplements you take regularly.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org ↗
02What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues — primarily the skin, joints and blood vessels. Symptoms and severity can vary from person to person and depends on the type of EDS you have. Many people with EDS have: Overly flexible joints that sprain or dislocate easily. Skin that stretches more than usual and is fragile or slow to heal. Ongoing joint pain, fatigue, and digestive and nervous system symptoms are also common. These complex symptoms can affect daily activities and quality of life.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org ↗
03When to see a doctor

If you or your child has very flexible joints along with skin or healing issues, frequent joint dislocations, unexplained bruising or unusual scars, or a family history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, talk with your healthcare professional about your concerns. Also talk with your healthcare professional if you're planning a pregnancy and have a family history of vascular EDS or other connective tissue disease. People with EDS should get medical help right away if they experience: Sudden pain or bleeding that they can't explain. Chest pain. Trouble breathing. Sudden dizziness or fainting when standing. Sudden changes in vision, such as flashes of light or dark spots.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org ↗
P

About the author

Peptide Therapy Guide Editorial Team

Editorial team for Peptide Therapy Guide.

View all articles →

Continue learning

Related guides

01
Peptide Therapy Guide Editorial Team

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders marked by extremely loose joints, very stretchy ( hyperelastic ) skin that bruises easily, and easily damaged blood vessels. Causes There are at …

Read guide →