Medical Fact of the Day

Do you have extra stretchy skin? How about joints that dislocate easily?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a condition that effects about 1 in 5,000 people that results from a defect in collagen production, the molecule that helps give skin and other body structures their strength and ability to adhere to other parts of the body. Collagen is one of the most abundant compounds in our bodies, making up 25% of our total protein content, and without it our body literally cannot hold itself together. Patients who suffer from EDS may experience a wide range of symptoms, and each patient may suffer a different level of symptom severity.

At it's most extreme, EDS can result in faulty blood vessel development and premature death due to severe internal bleeding (usually a rare development). There are no known cures for EDS, however patients are generally advised to avoid activities that may put excess pressure on joints, skin, and other connective tissues.
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