What is ectodermal dysplasia primarily characterized by?

Ectodermal dysplasia is primarily characterized by the failure of ectodermal tissues to develop normally. This condition affects various structures that derive from the ectoderm, including hair, skin, nails, and teeth. Individuals with ectodermal dysplasia often present with sparse or absent hair, abnormal nail development, and distinctive dental anomalies such as missing or malformed teeth.

The etiology is rooted in genetic factors that disrupt the normal differentiation and developmental processes of ectodermal structures, thereby impacting multiple systems. This failure to develop is the hallmark of the condition, as opposed to issues with mesodermal or endodermal tissue growth, which are not directly related to ectodermal dysplasia.