Congenital Ichthyosis: A Case Treated Successfully With Acitretin

Lamellar ichthyosis (collodion baby) is a cornification disorder classified under the category of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis and characterized by hyperkeratosis. Early-stage retinoid treatment has been shown to improve survival in these patients. In this article, a lamellar ichthyosis case is presented of an infant who had the symptoms at birth and was treated successfully with acitretin.

A term newborn infant presented after delivery. Physical examination showed that the skin on her outer mouth, neck, axillae, and inguinal fold areas had collodion membranes and peelings. On the third day of life, the skin all over her body became dry and seemed similar to parchment paper, with peeling in some areas, as well as ectropion and eclabium development. After her daily bath, liquid Vaseline was applied all over her body, but it did not provide enough benefits. The infant was started on acitretin treatment. On the 14^th day of treatment, the skin appeared nearly normal. On the 28^th day of life, the infant was discharged.

Early oral retinoid treatment facilitates increased quality of life improves survival rates for ichthyosis patients.