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Health

21st Oct 2014

Friday 24th October Marks Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Awareness Day

Debra Ireland are hoping to raise awareness for skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

Cathy Donohue

EB Awareness Day takes place on 24th October and Debra Ireland are encouraging people nationwide to get involved.

EB, or Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), is a genetic condition that causes layers of the skin and internal body linings to separate.

When this happens, the slightest touch can cause painful blisters and sores which have to be lanced and dressed every day.

In most cases, it is only the skin affected but in severe cases, the mouth, oesophagus, intestines, teeth, nails and eyes can also be affected.

There are characteristic symptoms of the condition but these tend to vary greatly from patient to patient. At present, there is no cure for Epidermolysis bullosa.

This coming Friday marks EB Awareness Day and Debra Ireland want you to release “your butterfly”. There are a number of ways to get involved, you can purchase a temporary butterfly tattoo in Insomnia coffee shops across the country.

People with EB have such delicate skin that it is often compared to the fragile wings of a butterfly.

Once you’re wearing it, take a selfie and share it on social media with the hashtag #releaseyourbutterfly. The charity are also asking people to donate €4 by texting BUTTERFLY to 50300.

A number of well-known faces have got behind this brilliant cause including the RTÉ sports panel, Conor McGregor, Robert Sheehan and Johnny Sexton.


RTÉ sports panel


Robert Sheehan


Johnny Sexton


Conor McGregor