Living with Levy-Hollister syndrome
An inherited condition, also called LADD syndrome, affecting tear ducts, ears, teeth, and fingers.
Understanding Levy-Hollister syndrome
LADD stands for tear system, ear, dental, and finger differences. Tear duct problems can cause chronic tearing or eye inflammation. Ears may be low-set and cup-shaped, with hearing loss. Salivary glands may be underdeveloped, causing dry mouth and cavities. Thumbs may be small or missing, or duplicated.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Tear duct and tear gland differences
- Dry eyes
- Differently shaped ears
- Small teeth with thin enamel
- Dental cavities
- Differences in the fingers or toes
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists, ear, nose, and throat specialists, eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is inherited in an autosomal dominant way, which means one changed copy of a gene is enough. GARD does not name a gene.
Also known as: lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital syndrome; lacrimoauriculodento-digital syndrome; lacrimoauriculodentodigital syndrome; lacrimoauriculoradiodental syndrome; ladd; ladd syndrome
Patient organizations
- National Foundation for Ectodermal DysplasiasEctodermal dysplasias · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Levy-Hollister syndrome.
Explore research for Levy-Hollister syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Levy-Hollister syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Levy-Hollister syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Levy-Hollister syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Levy-Hollister syndrome
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Levy-Hollister syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.