What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of conditions that affect the connective tissues in the body. These tissues include cartilage, bone, fat and blood. They support organs and other tissues throughout the body.

Doctors classify Ehlers-Danlos syndrome into 13 types based on their most notable features and the parts of the body where symptoms appear. People with the most common type have symptoms including very loose joints and fragile skin that tears easily.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can be genetic, meaning it is passed down through family members. An estimated 1 in 5,000-20,000 people have the most common type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.