People who have Elastic Man Syndrome can stretch their skin a lot and also bend their joints beyond their normal capacity, and they can squirm with extreme ease. However, these people have a lot easier to develop health problems like scoliosis, disc hernias and dislocations, which indicates that having this disease may not be as pleasant and has its complications.
This disease is scientifically called the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and is caused by a genetic alteration where the collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity of the skin, blood vessels and joints, are affected. This syndrome that passes from parents to children has no cure but can be treated to decrease the risk of complications.
Two films that accentuate the characteristics of this syndrome are The Fantastic Four, with the character Mr. Fantastic and also The Incredibles, with the Helena Pêra character, who is the elastic mother.
Signs and Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
The main symptoms are very elastic skin and joints with great range of movements. However, there may arise:
- Very frequent dislocations and sprains due to joint instability;
- Muscle contusion;
- Chronic fatigue;
- Arthritis and arthritis still in youth;
- Skin thin and translucent;
- Muscle weakness;
- Pain in muscles and joints;
- More resistance to pain.
The diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is based on the characteristics presented by the patients, genetic tests and biopsy of the skin to detect the presence of altered collagen fibers.
Usually this disease is diagnosed in childhood or adolescence due to the frequent dislocations, sprains and exaggerated elasticity that patients present, which ends up attracting attention from the family and the pediatrician.
Treatment of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
The treatment does not cure the disease, but it helps reduce symptoms and control complications. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic remedies may be used to decrease muscle and joint pain, and in some cases, when there are complications such as spine problems, surgery may be necessary.
Physical therapy may also be indicated to strengthen muscles and stabilize joints, reducing pain and muscle fatigue, improving the quality of life of the person.
Know the types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
There are 6 different types of this disease that are classified according to their cause and characteristics. Are they:
- Type 1 and 2 - classic : the genetic mutation alters type I and type IV collagen, with a greater involvement of the skin
- Type 3 - Hypermobility: the most common type of this disease, in which the joints and ligaments of individuals move more than expected
- Type 4 or 5 - Vascular: is the most severe type of this disease, because the blood vessels are the most affected having a greater chance of suffering ruptures. Patients with this syndrome have large eyes, small chin, nose and thin lips; small stature and very thin and pale skin
- Type 6 - Kyphoscoliosis: characterized by a curvature of the spine that evolves over time, fragile eyes and intense muscular weakness
- Type 7 : It is characterized by highly loose and unstable joints, which also affects the hips, which can result in osteoarthritis and severe fractures
- Type 7C : characterized by high fragility and sagging skin
Individuals with type 4 or 5 (vascular) Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome have a thin nose, thin upper lip, small ears and protruding eyes. They also have thin, translucent skin that gets bruised very easily. In addition, there may be weakening of the aorta and other arteries of the kidneys and spleen, which can lead to fatal complications.
