National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Epidermolysis bullosa

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I have a son with epidermolysis bullosa and I would like to know if there are any dietary recommendations.
Patients with epidermolysis bullosa frequently have oral involvement, with blisters that form in the mouth and esophagus. In some people, these lesions are likely to cause difficulty in chewing and swallowing food and drinks. If breast or bottle feeding results in blisters, infants may be fed using a preemie nipple (a soft nipple with large holes), a cleft palate nipple, an eyedropper, or a syringe. When the baby is old enough to take in food, adding extra liquid to pureed (finely mashed) food makes it easier to swallow. Soups, milk drinks, mashed potatoes, custards, and puddings can be given to young children. However, food should never be served too hot.[1]

In patients with oral involvement, hard or brittle foods and foods with high acid content (eg, tomatoes, orange juice) should be avoided. Ingestion of these foods may injure the mucosa and cause new lesions.[2]

It is important for individuals with epidermolysis bullosa to consult with a dietitian who can identify high-caloric and protein-fortified foods and beverages that help replace protein lost in the fluid from draining blisters. They can suggest vitamin and mineral nutritional supplements that may be needed, and show how to mix these into the food and drinks of young children. Dietitians can also recommend adjustments in the diet to prevent gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, or painful elimination.

DEBRA International has developed online booklets about nutrition for patients with epidermolysis bullosa:

Nutrition for Babies with Epidermolysis Bullosa

Nutrition for Epidermolysis Bullosa for Children over 1 years of age


Last updated: 11/30/2016

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

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GARD Information Specialist

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  1. Croom DL. Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita Treatment & Management. Medscape Refereence. Apr 29, 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1063083-treatment#d8.
  2. Questions and Answers about Epidermolysis Bullosa. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. November, 2013; https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Epidermolysis_Bullosa/#6.