A child is diagnosed with ectodermal dysplasia. Which other characteristic is associated with this condition?

Correct answer: A. Dry eyes

• A. Correct. Ectodermal dysplasia affects all ectodermal derivatives including lacrimal glands, causing dry eyes (reduced lacrimal secretion).
• B. Mandibular prognathism is not a feature of ectodermal dysplasia.
• C. Bifid ribs are associated with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.
• D. Palmo-plantar hyperkeratosis is associated with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome.

Note: That finding belongs to Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. Dry eye is the ectodermal dysplasia feature — it occurs in over 90% of hypohidrotic ED patients from lacrimal, meibomian and conjunctival gland defects.