Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is the name for a group of painful genetic skin conditions that cause the skin to tear and blister at the slightest touch.

The name comes from ‘epiderm’ - the outer layer of skin, ‘lysis’ - the breakdown of cells and ‘bullosa’ - blisters.  

People with EB have a faulty gene, which means the skin cannot bind together, so any trauma or friction can cause painful blisters, which results in open wounds and scarring.

It can also affect internal linings, mucous membranes and organs.