[Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: "congenital ameibomia"]

Abstract

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a congenital, generally X-linked dermatosis that associates facial dysmorphy, short stature, and severe blepharitis. The anomalies of the skin are epidermic abnormalities; reduction of the glands of the derm, particularly the sweat glands, explaining the hypohidrosis; onychodysplasia; trichodysplasia; and abnormal dentition. The ophthalmologic manifestations are palpebral anomalies with a reduction in or an absence of Meibomian glands, dysfunction of the Moll and Zeis glands, leading to chronic squamous blepharitis and lacrimal punctal atresia. These anomalies result in severe attacks of the ocular surface, developing during the second decade, which are often invalidating and require a rigorous follow-up to avoid corneal complications.