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An X-linked form of ectodermal dysplasia which results from mutations of the gene encoding ectodysplasin.
Features include always present findings: Absent eyebrow, Sparse hair, Dry skin, and Thick vermilion border and others. 45 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Skin | 8 | Dry skin, Soft skin, Periorbital hyperpigmentation |
Head and neck | 3 | Everted upper lip vermilion, Everted lower lip vermilion, Hypoplasia of the maxilla |
Metabolism | 2 | Heat intolerance, Fever |
Brain and nerves | 2 | Depressed nasal bridge, Dysphonia |
Digestive system | 1 | Constipation |
Lungs and breathing | 1 | Respiratory distress |
Males with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) and males and females with autosomal recessive HED caused by EDAR or EDARADD pathogenic variants have the classic form of HED. Neonates with HED may be diagnosed because of peeling skin (like that of "postmature" babies) and periorbital hyperpigmentation. In infancy, they may be irritable because of heat intolerance; elevated body temperatures are not uncommon. More often, diagnosis is delayed until teeth fail to erupt at the expected age (6-9 months) or the teeth that erupt are conical. By this age, affected individuals may have chronic eczema and periorbital skin may appear wrinkled. The cardinal features of HED become obvious during childhood:
Source: GeneReviews — "Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia"
EDA encodes ectodysplasin A (391 aa). Cytokine which is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal signaling during morphogenesis of ectodermal organs. Functions as a ligand activating the DEATH-domain containing receptors EDAR and EDA2R. Highest expression in Adrenal Gland (8.1 TPM) and Nerve Tibial (7.0 TPM).
X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is associated with mutations in the EDA gene on chromosome X.
The EDA protein participates in CDK4 inhibitors bind CDK4 and Defective IKBKG (NEMO) destabilizes the association of IKBKA:IKBKB:IKBKG (via TLR) pathways.
EDA is classified as a druggable target (Druggable Genome category) with score 52.2.
EDA. Phenotypes resulting from EDA pathogenic variants range from classic HED to nonsyndromic hypodontia. Recent investigations suggest that most EDA pathogenic variants associated with nonsyndromic hypodontia are missense variants mostly located in the region encoding the tumor necrosis factor domain. Many pathogenic variants associated with X-linked HED are thought to be loss-of-function variants including nonsense variants, insertions, and deletions that span the gene . EDAR. Variable phenotypes that range from mild to severe are associated with EDAR pathogenic variants, but genotype-phenotype correlations remain limited .
Source: GeneReviews — "Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia"
Penetrance is not well described for most ectodermal dysplasias.
Source: GeneReviews — "Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia"
No guidelines regarding diagnostic criteria for hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) have been developed.
HED should be suspected in an individual with:
Source: GeneReviews — "Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia"
Numerous types of ectodermal dysplasia exist . Hypodontia with a vague history of heat intolerance or slight sparseness of the hair is particularly common and includes a broad differential diagnosis. The presence of onychodysplasia (inherent abnormalities of nail development) and other developmental abnormalities favor diagnoses other than hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED). Ectodermal dysplasias that need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of HED are summarized in . Table 3. Ectodermal Dysplasias in the Differential Diagnosis of Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
Gene(s) | Disorder | MOI | Clinical Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
Hair | Skin | Dental | Nails |
DLX3 | Trichodentoosseous syndrome (OMIM 190320) | AD | Kinky or curly hair |
GJB2 |
Genetic testing for EDA is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
No approved treatments are currently available for X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. An additional 1 compound holds orphan drug designation.
While no drugs are FDA-approved specifically for X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, some of the following designated compounds may be used off-label in clinical practice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a specialist familiar with this condition.
The following drugs have received orphan drug designation from the FDA for X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Orphan designation reflects regulatory interest and does not indicate approval for treatment.
Brand Name | Generic Name | Sponsor | Designated | Exclusivity End | Designation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fusion protein consisting of human immunoglobim G1 constant region Fc region fused to the human receptor binding domain of ectodysplasin-A1 | Fusion protein consisting of human immunoglobim G1 constant region Fc region fused to the human receptor binding domain of ectodysplasin-A1 | Pierre Fabre Medicament | 2006 | — | Designated |
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to diagnosis) are recommended.
Table 4.
Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment
Hair | Assess severity of hypotrichosis. |
Skin | Assess severity of hypohidrosis incl episodes of hyperthermia. |
| Dental eval to assess jaws, alveolus, developing dentition by age 1 yr | Typically by palpating dental alveolus to establish if developing tooth buds (which manifest as bulges in alveolus) are present
Panoramic or conventional dental radiographs | As needed to determine extent of hypodontia inform treatment planning
ENT | Assess for solidified secretions in nasal aural passages. |
Eyes | Ophthalmologic eval | To assess for dry eyes due to abnormal meibomian glands
| Assess for recurrent pneumonia asthma related to abnormal bronchial glands. |
Genetic
counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of HED to facilitate medical personal decision making
Individuals with severe hypohidrosis can have marked heat intolerance; care should be taken to prevent exposure to extreme heat and the potential for febrile seizures.
Source: GeneReviews — "Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia"
A Phase II clinical trial was conducted at several US and European medical centers to investigate the use of EDI200, developed by Edimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc . The results of the study were inconclusive. EDI200 is an ectodysplasin-A1 (EDA-A1) replacement protein (Fc-EDA) that has been shown to bind specifically to the EDA-A1 receptor (EDAR) and activate the signaling pathway that leads to normal ectodermal development. EDI200 has demonstrated permanent correction of the disease manifestations in both mouse and dog models of X-linked HED, with reduction in mortality and morbidity . Postnatal administration of EDI200 did not change the HED phenotype, and a prenatal administration approach of the protein was adopted.
Source: GeneReviews — "Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia"
2 trials found
To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations in are recommended. Table 6. Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Integument | Assess severity treatment response for hypotrichosis hypohidrosis. | Annually /or as needed |
Dental | Dental exam to monitor tooth maxillary/mandibular development, provide anticipatory guidance for parents, monitor existing treatments, provide continued interventions as needed | Every 6-12 mos beginning at age 1 yr |
ENT | Assess for abnormal nasal aural secretions. | Annually /or as needed Eyes |
Source: GeneReviews — "Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia"
Phenotype severity distribution: 14 always present features.
Estimated prevalence: 1-9 in 1,000,000 (Rare).
2 clinical trials registered, 1 recruiting. Interventions under study include other interventions and biologic therapy. Pipeline includes 1 PHASE2. Research is sponsored by a mix of industry and academic institutions.
18 publications have been identified in PubMed for X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (61%), Basic Science / Preclinical (22%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (11%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 11 | 61% |
Laboratory research | 4 | 22% |
Research summaries | 2 | 11% |
Disease patterns and progression | 1 | 6% |
Chapagain L (2026). [PMID: 42078041](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42078041/). *Clin Case Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Dernai J (2026). [PMID: 42229575](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42229575/). *Gene*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
She L (2026). [PMID: 40797284](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40797284/). *J Clin Ultrasound*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Zhang J (2025). [PMID: 41573682](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41573682/). *Front Cell Dev Biol*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Marcella S (2025). [PMID: 41465157](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41465157/). *Genes (Basel)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Yao L (2025). [PMID: 40781288](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40781288/). *BMC Pregnancy Childbirth*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Mukhtar MA (2025). [PMID: 42232673](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42232673/). *Pan Afr Med J*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Hanawa Y (2025). [PMID: 40469581](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40469581/). *Mol Genet Metab Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Schneider H (2025). [PMID: 40234959](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40234959/). *Orphanet J Rare Dis*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Reddy H (2024). [PMID: 38854244](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38854244/). *Cureus*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Data assembled from 9 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 17, 2026, 9:29 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
AD |
Sparse hair |
Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia 2 | AD | Sparse hair or alopecia | Normal sweating ability, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis |
HOXC13 | Ectodermal dysplasia 9, hair/nail type (OMIM 614931) | AR | Hypotrichosis |
IKBKG | Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia w/immunodeficiency (OMIM 300291) | XL | Sparse hair |
Incontinentia pigmenti | XL | Atrophic hair | Normal sweating ability, 4-stage skin rash,1 pigmentary involvement |
KRT74 | Ectodermal dysplasia 7, hair/nail type (OMIM 614929) | AR | Hypotrichosis |
KRT85 | Ectodermal dysplasia 4, hair/nail type (OMIM 602032) | AR | Hypotrichosis |
MSX1 | Witkop tooth nail syndrome (OMIM 189500) | AD | Normal hair |
NFKBIA | Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia w/Tcell immunodeficiency (OMIM 612132) | AD | Sparse hair |
TSPEAR | Ectodermal dysplasia 14 (OMIM 618180) | AR | Hypotrichosis of scalp, esp anterior |
Source: GeneReviews — "Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia"
HED = hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia; MOI = mode of inheritance
Source: GeneReviews — "Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia"
AI-curated news mentioning X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Updated Jun 10, 2026
A new study presents a growth-adjusted digital prosthetic protocol for a child with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, demonstrating its effectiveness over a 5-year period. This longitudinal clinical report highlights advancements in personalized prosthetic solutions for rare diseases.