Dear Doc.Q. my son has been diagnosed with ED, ectodermal dysplasia ectodermal dysplasia n. Abnormal development or growth of tissues and structures that develop from the ectoderm. ectodermal dysplasia (ek´t . He is 16 months old now and has had a tough time with infections and overheating. He has now cut two teeth which are peg-shaped and we are trying to find out more about his condition with not much help from doctors and consultants who have not dealt with it. Initially I was very shocked when they said what he had but we have come to terms with it now and he is a very happy loving little boy. A. THIS is a rare condition that affects the skin, hair and teeth to varying degrees. Various parts within the skin such as sweat glands, tear glands and hair follicles do not develop properly. Most children do not sweat so have problems regulating their temperature especially in hot weather or during minor illnesses. There are several varieties of this condition - most are a result of a genetic problem with both parents being carriers, like haemophilia. There is an ectodermal dysplasia society run by sufferers and their families. www.ectodermaldysplasia.org HAVE you a question for our Gazette doctor? Write to; Dear Doctor, Features Desk, Evening Gazette Evening Gazette is the name of several local newspapers:
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