Mom Son In Pool HEDWhat causes ectodermal dysplasia?

Ectodermal dysplasia is the result of a genetic mutation passed from parent to child. In some cases, the genetic mutation occurs spontaneously in the person who has the condition. The ectodermal dysplasias are not contagious.

Does ectodermal dysplasia only affect males?

No. Ectodermal dysplasia can affect males and females.

Does ectodermal dysplasia impact learning abilities?

Cognitive ability is normal in nearly all types of ectodermal dysplasia.

Does ectodermal dysplasia affect lifespan?

Lifespan is normal in nearly all types of ectodermal dysplasia.

Is ectodermal dysplasia found in one race more frequently than another?

No. Ectodermal dysplasias can affect a person of any race.

Is ectodermal dysplasia only found in certain areas of the world?

No. Ectodermal dysplasias can affect a person in any place in the world. A large concentration of a particular type of ectodermal dysplasia has been noted in the medical literature. For example, Clouston syndrome was first observed in French Canadians. Margarita Island ectodermal dysplasia received its name from the location where this particular type was first identified.

How many people are affected by ectodermal dysplasias?

We do not know for sure. An estimated 3.5 of 10,000 people are affected by ectodermal dysplasia. Ectodermal dysplasias are considered “rare” conditions because they affect less than 200,000 people in the United States. This rarity makes an official study to determine numbers difficult and costly.