Incontinentia Pigmenti: X-Linked Skin Disorder: A Case Report

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare X-linked neuroectodermal dysplasia affecting the skin, hair, teeth, nails, microvasculature, and central nervous system. Mutations in the IKBKG gene cause this disorder. Incontinentia pigmenti is found in 65-75 percent sporadic mutations and 25-35 percent familial cases. Most patients are female, as the disease is generally lethal in males. The condition often is identified secondary to skin presentations followed by the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in the eye and brain within the first year of life. In addition to the skin changes, there may be defects in the hair, nails, and teeth. The uniqueness of the disorder and shared findings similar to other skin disorders complicate the diagnosis. Clinical findings point to an array of possibilities. Lack of information on family history complicates the time to diagnosis. With the confirmation of IP, a thorough evaluation with appropriate consultations improves outcomes where possible.