DEBRA Charity
Skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wings
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), is a group of incredibly painful genetic skin conditions that cause the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. With skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wings, it is often referred to as ‘butterfly skin’. EB can affect the hands and feet only or in the most severe cases any part of the body, including blistering on the eyes and internal organs.
​
DEBRA is the UK's EB patient support organisation
​DEBRA supports people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), also known as butterfly skin. They provide patient support and fund pioneering research into treatments and cures.​​
“As I doctor, I protect and care for skin every day, but for those living with EB, skin is a source of constant pain. Supporting DEBRA is our way of offering hope.”
Dr Haidar Saad
The Leading Clinic at Royal Kingston
Together, We Can All Help Change Lives
​
At TLCARK we know the power of skin health — but for those living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), even the lightest touch can mean pain. That’s why we support DEBRA, and why we invite you to join us in making a difference. Every action, big or small, helps bring hope to families affected by EB. ​Here’s how you can help:
​
Raise awareness
Take a few minutes to watch and share DEBRA’s hard-hitting video (below). It is upsetting, but powerful — and it helps others understand the urgent need for support.
​
Encourage Research
With around 5,000 people in the UK living with EB, it is considered an ultra-rare condition. While even one sufferer is too many, the numbers are sadly not enough to attract significant investment from large pharmaceutical companies. That means families often face limited treatment options and even have to travel abroad to access clinical trials.
This is why DEBRA needs more affordable, practical ways to accelerate progress — such as repurposing existing drugs that are already licensed for other conditions. By supporting this kind of research, we can fast-track potential treatments and bring real hope closer to home for those living with EB.
​
Support local DEBRA shops
Every purchase from a DEBRA shop funds life-changing services and research. You can find your nearest DEBRA charity shop here, with local branches close to Kingston upon Thames in Chessington, Raynes Park, Whitton, Ewell, Croydon, Great Bookham, West Byfleet, East Horsley, Dorking, Woking, and across the UK.
​​
Donate money or your pre-loved items
From clothes and furniture to books and homeware, your donations make a huge difference. Every item sold helps fund support services, reduces landfill, and offers affordable goods to the community. You can even boost your impact with Gift Aid.
​
You can donate by post for free and arrange free furniture collections here.
​​​
Every one of us can help change lives for people with EB, whether by learning, donating, or spreading the word.
No Cure for EB. Yet.
There are an estimated 5,000 people affected by EB in the UK and 500,000 worldwide.However, these numbers could be much higher as it often goes undiagnosed. Currently there are no cures for EB.
​
This video shares the reality of living with EB.
​
It is powerful and important to see, but please be aware it can be difficult and upsetting to watch.