What Skin Disorders Can Be Inherited?

There are complex hereditary skin disorders that can be inherited from one generation to the next; they can even skip a generation. Genetic skin disorders are also known as ‘Geno-dermatoses’, and are typically caused by a single-gene mutation.

Skin Conditions: Common Inherited Types

Albinism

Albinism is caused by a genetic mutation which causes a lack of melanin, which is a natural skin pigment.
A genetic test can confirm if an individual has albinism, and a fetoscopy can confirm whether a baby will be born with it. This condition may affect the colour of their skin, hair, and eyes, but it may also negatively impact their eyesight. Because it is a genetic disorder, it cannot be cured; however, there are doctors that can assist with eyesight issues.

Ectodermal Dysplasia

Ectodermal dysplasia is a group of genetic disorders that can typically affect the hair, nails, teeth, skin, eyes and glands. As a genetic disorder, again there is no single cure. No case is the same, and thus, it is symptomatically treated accordingly i.e. if a cleft palate is the result of ED, it will be repaired with an operation.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) affects connective tissue due to a lack of collagen. It is rarely documented, as few doctors will diagnose the symptoms as something related to the syndrome. Typically, symptoms of EDS can be treated as separate ailments. These can include abnormal wound-healing, skin that bruises easily, skin the splits easily and joint hypermobility.

Skin Conditions DNA Test

Anti-ageing medicine and dermagenetics are founded on the application of scientific medical technologies for the early detection, prevention and reversal of age-related dysfunction, but they can also be used to treat hereditary skin disorders. By making use of a genetic skin test, you can not only identify and prevent issues, you will also have insight into what your skin needs to stay as beautiful as possible for years to come.

For more information on these tests, and other genetic tests in South Africa, contact our team.