Therapies for Inherited Epidermolysis Bullosa in Indonesia, 2015–2025: A Systematic Review

Background: Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetic disorder that involves skin fragility caused by structural damage of the sin. In Indonesia, the multidisciplinary care and advanced wound therapies are still limited. A systematic evaluation of published Indonesian EB management strategies is needed to understand current practices and identify gaps in care.

Methods: This is a systematic review gathers case reports, case series, and observational studies from both Indonesian and international databases regarding inherited EB published from 2015 to 2025. Data were taken from each study based on variables such as study design, demographics, EB subtype, clinical features, treatments, and outcomes. Some findings such as clinical features, therapy given and outcomes are extracted narratively because of heterogenicity of the data. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Thirteen studies were found and reported cases of EBS, DEB, JEB and unclassified EB with clinical findings of extensive blistering, chronic wounds, malnutrition, anemia, infections, and mucosal involvement. Most treatments of wound care (saline compress, petroleum jelly application, cold compresses, and non-adhesive or tulle dressings) resulted in improvements in pain, wound drying, and infection prevention. However, no studies reported the use of advanced wound products, genetic testing, or structured multidisciplinary care. Limited resource constraints and lack of standardized outcome measures were consistent challenges across all reports.

Conclusion: EB management in Indonesia mostly relies on supportive wound care, which is symptomatic treatment, but is still limited compared to international standards that usually prefer advanced dressings, genetic testing, and multidisciplinary care. Improving access to specialized wound-care materials, and developing national EB management pathways are important to bring better results. Future research should focus on cost-effective interventions, long-term monitoring, and standardized evaluation methods.