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Medical Definition of Ectodermal dysplasia
1. A hereditary condition (most often x linked) that is characterised by the abnormal development of skin, absence of sweat glands, dry eyes and abnormal development of teeth. Symptoms include absent teeth, peg teeth, inability to sweat, thin skin and heat intolerance. Mucous membrane involvement may result in a foul-smelling nasal discharge. The inability to sweat leads to the inability to maintain normal body temperature in a warm environment. Some may exhibit fevers and will require artificial cooling. Origin: Gr. Plassein = to form (27 Sep 1997)