Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month is observed in May. Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are inherited in the genes that are passed from parents to child. Fragile skin and loose joints, as well as tissue fragility, is often a result of genes that produce abnormal proteins or collagen. Collagen is the normal protein “glue” in a person’s tissues.

Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month educates that Ehlers-Danlos syndrome affects connective tissue, primarily the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls. Symptoms include overly flexible joints that can dislocate, and skin that’s translucent, elastic, and bruises easily. In some cases, there may be dilation and even rupture of major blood vessels.