Vitamin E Therapy in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

TO THE EDITOR.— Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare hereditary disorder, is characterized by the formation of bullae over the sites of friction. The clinical features of the condition have been described elsewhere.1,2 Various drugs, like corticosteroids,3 amino acids,4 and chloroquine phosphate,5 have been used but without beneficial effects. Vitamin E therapy in a case of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa was first suggested by Price,6 later on commended by Wilson,7 and by Ayers and Mihan.8 A trial of vitamin E, (DL-alpha tocopheryl [Ephynal]) acetate therapy was undertaken in three cases of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with beneficial results. REPORT OF CASES Vitamin E acetate was administered in oral dosages of 300 to 600 international units (IU) daily in these cases. The treatment was started May 21, 1971, and continued until Sept 29. A remarkable improvement was evident by the regression of the existing skin lesions