EDS and Skincare

Aug 15, 2023 | MeekaC | @meekaclayton

EDS and Skincare

Taking care of your skin is important for everyone, but it becomes even more crucial for individuals with EDS and HSD. Connective tissue disorders can have a negative impact on elasticity, strength, and support of the skin.

People with EDS/HSD often experience various skin conditions like soft skin, easy bruising, unusual scars, cutaneous stretchability, and slow healing. Therefore, patients should be precautious with wound healing and dedicate a little more time to their skincare routine. However, this doesn't mean overwhelming commitments are necessary. By simply allocating a bit more time, significant improvements can be made in skin health.

Now, let's go through some skincare tips:

Cleansing: Taking care of your skin matters, but cleaning it with the right products matters even more. We highly recommend to use gentle cleansers that are fragrance-free and mild on the skin. Avoid using harsh soaps or vigorous scrubbing as they can cause irritation and lead to more severe damage.
Regular Moisturizing: Sun and enviromental factors effect our skin more than we might think. Moisturizing is especially important during hot summer months and dry winter months to keep the skin hydrated and maintain its elasticity. We strongly recommend choosing a moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin and applying it at least twice a day.
Sun Protection: Even though tanned skin is a popular look, you should aware that without proper protection sunlight can be one of the biggest enemies of your skin. Shielding your skin from harmful UV radiation by using a sunscreen with a high SPF is extremely important. Additionally, wearing protective clothing like hats and long sleeves can provide added protection. It's worth noting that tanning beds are not beneficial for your skin, so it's best to avoid them altogether.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Selecting the right products can determine your skin health and be mindful of the products you use on your skin. Avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can irritate sensitive skin.
Wound Care: Last but not least, if you have a cut or wound, clean it gently and cover it with a sterile bandage to prevent infection. Be cautious with wounds that are not healing well, or produce increased pain, warmth or redness. Those are signs you might need to seek immediate medical care.

These are tips you can apply in your daily life without too much effort, but the benefits can be long lasting. Don’t forget EDS is a multisystemic disorder and skin is one of the most commonly effected organs. With proper care most skin problems can be avoided. If you need more help with skincare talk with your healthcare provider.

We would like to hear what is your skincare routine? Have you had skin problems that you found a good solution for?

Author: Ozan Soyer, M.D.