I feel I should mention that I took a vitamin supplement over a period of about 10 years (possibly more), which was supposed to benefit hair, skin and nails (a female vanity thing, I suppose!). After reading about the excess collagen factor in this disease, I was horrified to read that this supplement indeed promoted collagen production. Of course, I have no proof of the link here, but it really does make me wonder. I am very wary of taking any supplements in future. As there is no direct family link in my case, I do have to explore other reasons.