Decode the rare 'elastic skin' disease in the world

Gary Stretch Turner (UK) - who has the world's most elastic skin has actually Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

This is a genetic disease . Typical manifestations of the disease are loose skin, tissue, and joints due to abnormal collagen production. The disease occurs in all races in the world, both in men and women. It only affects 1 / 10,000 people.

According to ABCNews, the skin of people with this syndrome is so thin that they can see veins beneath the skin very clearly. If the skin is stretched excessively, it is still able to return to normal after letting go. About a third of patients appear in the skin of marbles-like nodules, due to the accumulation of fat and fiber and calcium on the bone surface. Lumpy nodules are small, soft, dark bumps that appear near the heel when standing and disappear when the foot is raised, which can cause pain.

Gary Stretch Turner.(Photo: AOL).

The patient is also at risk of developing serious complications because blood vessels can spontaneously rupture, causing hemorrhage, spinal injury and respiratory tract. In particular, female patients who are pregnant may be at risk of life when the skin is too thin.

Diagnosis is based on the above symptoms and the patient's family history. Many cases do not have typical symptoms, often misdiagnosed. Clinical symptoms such as loose joints and abnormal skin properties along with a family history may help diagnose patients with Ehlers syndrome - Danlos . Specific tests such as skin biopsies can diagnose the disease.

So far, Ehlers syndrome - Danlos has no specific treatment . The main treatment is to cure symptoms and try to prevent complications. In treatment, it is important to fix the joint. Surgery needed to treat damage caused by dislocations occurs regularly. Patients should also be instructed to practice physical therapy to increase muscle strength around joints and may help prevent or limit damage.