[Epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria dystrophica mutilans Hallopeau-Siemens--a complex problem].

Epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria dystrophica mutilans Hallopeau-Siemens is an autosomal recessive, chronically mutilating disease. Causal therapy is not known. In a five-year-old boy suffering from this disease and having the right hand completely clumped to a fist, syndactyly and contraction release was performed. The wounds healed under the care of the silicone-coated polyamide net dressing Mepitel. Under intensive postoperative physio- and ergotherapeutic care, a major part of his previous hand function could be restored. Complete epithelialization occurred within four weeks. Twelve months after the procedure, the area of the previous lesions was marked by an unexpected mechanical stability. It was very impressive to see the improvement in his psychological well-being and his sense of self-esteem during this period of partial recovery of his hand function.