4. Easy Bruising and Fragile Skin: The Delicate Exterior of hEDS
At first glance, someone with hEDS might seem to have a translucent, velvety skin, often considered beautiful. But beneath this aesthetic allure lies a propensity for easy bruising and a skin that tears with the slightest provocation.
The reason? Once again, it boils down to collagen. Skin resilience and elasticity are largely due to the collagen network within the dermal layers. In hEDS, the compromised collagen structure results in increased fragility.
Simple actions, like pulling off a band-aid, might lead to skin tears. The bruises, on the other hand, often appear without a known trauma. It’s not uncommon for someone with hEDS to wake up with new, unexplained bruises. (4)