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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have EDS, it's important to prevent injuries and protect your skin and joints. Here are a few things you can do to safeguard yourself.
- Avoid injury. Avoid contact sports, weightlifting and other activities that increase your risk of injury.
- Use protective gear. Toddlers and young children with severe EDS often dislocate joints and frequently fall down, especially when learning to walk. Consider using protective clothing, guards or padding to protect your child from tumbles and falls.
- Reduce the clutter. To prevent falls and injuries at home, keep walkways and doorways clear of clutter. Avoid loose rugs and electric cords, which can increase your risk of tripping and falling.
- Use assistive devices. Several devices are available to help decrease stress on your joints, such as jar openers, utensils with wide handles, long-handled combs and bath sponges.
- Use mild soaps and sunscreen. To protect easily damaged skin and to guard against premature aging, use mild soaps and wear sunscreen when you're outside.
References
- Lawrence EJ. The clinical presentation of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Advances in Neonatal Care. 2005;5:301.
- Whitelaw SE. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, classical type: Case management. Dermatology Nursing. 2004;16:433.
- Sheon RP. Clinical manifestations and treatment of the hypermobility syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 27, 2010.
- Tong I. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/188281291-3/965853179/2088/208.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00014-9--sc0025_4217. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
- Volkov N, et al. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: Insights on obstetric aspects. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 2006;62:51.
- Voermans NC, et al. Neuromuscular involvement in various types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Annals of Neurology. 2009;65:687.
- Krakow D. Heritable diseases of connective tissue. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/188281291-3/965853179/1807/728.html. Accessed March 10, 2010
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