WELCOME

TO DEBRA NZ

Improving the quality of life for people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and their familes.

EB skin is as fragile as a butterfly's wings.

Find out who we are and what we do to help people and families affected by EB.

ABOUT DEBRA NZ

Visit our online information area for support, services and to learn more about EB

INFORMATION & SUPPORT

Donate today and help us help those with EB. Your support makes a difference.

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4 WAYS

DEBRA NZ MAKES A DIFFERENCE

SUPPORT

We support DEBRA NZ families and individuals

REASSURANCE

We ensure those with EB know they are not alone.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE

We ensure practicle advice and guidence is shared.

INFO + ACCESS

Ensure information on and access to current best practice care & treatment.

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UNDERSTANDING EB?

WHAT IS EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB)?

Epidermolysis Bullosa is medical Latin for skin that blisters and tears easily. Epidermal describes ‘outer skin layers’; lysis means ‘tearing and shearing’; and the Bulla are the ‘blisters’ that develop.

Relax, even doctors refer to Epidermolysis Bullosa as ‘EB’!

If you have EB then your skin is more delicate, it blisters or tears more easily. In severe EB the slightest touch can cause skin to blister or come off and leave wounds like burns. It’s as if there’s no glue between the skin and the tissue below. It can also occur in the mucous membranes, particularly inside the mouth and throat causing major issues with nutrition.

More than 180 New Zealanders live with a form of this genetic disorder. While most have mild to moderate symptoms, many require specialist and ongoing clinical care to varying degrees.

Severe forms of EB have an incidence of about 1 in 300,000.

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