Harlequin ichthyosis causes babies to be born with hard, thick plates of skin that crack and split apart. It can affect their appearance, breathing, eating and survival. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. What is harlequin ichthyosis? Harlequin ichthyosis is a severe inherited form of ichthyosis that presents at birth as hard, thickened armour-like plates of skin covering the entire body. Harlequin ichthyosis is also called harlequin-type ichthyosis, and harlequin fetus [1]. Note that harlequin syndrome refers to a different condition characterised by asymmetrical, progressive, and segmental sweat loss (also known as progressive isolated segmental anhidrosis), and to unilateral sweating and ... Harlequin ichthyosis is the most severe form of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. Harlequin ichthyosis is characterized by a profound thickening of the keratin layer in fetal skin. A premature baby in Madhya Pradesh with Harlequin Ichthyosis, a rare genetic disorder causing thickened, cracked skin and distorted facial features, is fighting for life. Born at Chakghat Community Health Centre, the newborn is receiving specialized care at Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The child also ...
