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What is Lamellar Ichthyosis?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Lamellar ichthyosis, also called ichthyosis lammellaris or nonbullous congenital ichthyosis, is a congenital skin condition characterized by hyperkeratosis, or thickening of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. It results in a scaly appearance of the skin, particularly on the neck, groin, armpits, inner elbow, and similar joints. Lamellar ichthyosis is very rare, affecting only one in 600,000 people. It is a moderate form of ichthyosis, a group of genetic disorders that ranges from the very mild and relatively common ichthyosis vulgaris to the life-threatening harlequin-type ichthyosis.

Babies born with lamellar ichthyosis are referred to as "collodion babies" because they are born with a collodion membrane, which looks like an extra layer of skin, and is shed about two weeks after birth. The skin is shiny, waxy, and tight, and may pull the eyes and mouth wide open. Because of their abnormal skin, collodion babies are at risk of hypothermia, dehydration, skin infection, and intoxication from topically applied products. Nursing in a neonatal intensive care unit until the collodion membrane is shed, often including the use of topical moisturizers and a humidified incubator, helps address and prevent these risks. The condition is not painful or uncomfortable for the baby, though its complications may be.

In lamellar ichthyosis is a thickening of the stratum corneum layer of skin.
In lamellar ichthyosis is a thickening of the stratum corneum layer of skin.

Not all collodion babies have lamellar ichthyosis, and about ten percent experience no further symptoms after the collodion membrane is shed. About 15% have a different genetic skin disorder. Laboratory examination of the baby's skin, blood, or hair can help doctors make a diagnosis.

In addition to scaly, thickened skin, lamellar ichthyosis in children and adults can cause overheating due to defective sweating, dry and irritated eyelids, and temporary hair loss due to scaling on the scalp. Children with the condition sometimes develop tight bands around the fingers or toes that restrict circulation. There is no cure for lamellar ichthyosis, but it can be alleviated with moisturizers for the skin, and eye drops for dry eyes. In addition, patients should avoid hot weather and vigorous exercise to prevent overheating.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a TheHealthBoard editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

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Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a TheHealthBoard editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

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    • In lamellar ichthyosis is a thickening of the stratum corneum layer of skin.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      In lamellar ichthyosis is a thickening of the stratum corneum layer of skin.
    • Lamellar ichthyosis can cause overheating, especially during vigorous exercise.
      By: bonninturina
      Lamellar ichthyosis can cause overheating, especially during vigorous exercise.
    • Dry eyes caused by lamellar ichthyosis can be alleviated with eye drops.
      By: apops
      Dry eyes caused by lamellar ichthyosis can be alleviated with eye drops.
    • Babies with lamellar ichthyosis are born with what appears to be an extra layer of skin.
      By: Francois du Plessis
      Babies with lamellar ichthyosis are born with what appears to be an extra layer of skin.