what is eds syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissues in the body, primarily the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures in the body. People with EDS usually have overly flexible joints and stretchy, fragile skin, which can become a problem if they have a wound that requires stitches, because the skin often isnt strong enough to hold them. There are 13 types of EDS, most of which are rare, and each type has its own set of features with distinct diagnostic criteria. The most common type is hypermobile EDS, while the most severe form is vascular EDS, which can cause the walls of blood vessels, intestines, or uterus to rupture, and can be life-threatening. Different types of EDS are associated with a variety of genetic causes, some of which are inherited and passed on from parent to child. If someone in your biological family has EDS, there is an increased risk that you may have it too, and healthcare providers classify EDS into 13 types based on where it affects you and the symptoms it causes. There is no cure for EDS, but people with the condition can manage their symptoms and participate in normal activities with proper care and treatment.