There is also an increased risk of skin infection and mechanical compression, leading to problems like limb ischemia. There is also a risk of intoxication by cutaneous absorption of topical products, for example salicylate intoxication (similar to aspirin overdose) due to keratolytics.The condition is not thought to be painful or in itself distressing to the child. Nursing usually takes place in a neonatal intensive care unit, and good intensive care seems to have improved the prognosis markedly. The collodion membrane should peel off or "shed" 2 to 4 weeks after birth, revealing the underlying skin disorder. The condition can resemble but is different from harlequin type ichthyosis. Long term course
The appearance can be caused by several skin diseases, and it is most often not associated with other birth defects. In most cases, the baby develops an ichthyosis or ichthyosis-like condition or other rare skin disorder. Most cases (approximately 75%) of collodion baby will go on to develop a type of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (either lamellar ichthyosis or congenital ichthyosiform erythrodema).In around 10% of cases the baby sheds this layer of skin and has normal skin for the rest of its life. This is known as self-healing collodion baby. The remaining 15% of cases are caused by a variety of diseases involving keratinization disorders. Known causes of collodion baby include ichthyosis vulgaris and trichothiodystrophy. Less well documented causes include Sjögren-Larsson syndrome, Netherton syndrome, Gaucher disease type 2, congenital hypothyroidism, Conradi syndrome, Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome, ketoadipiaciduria, koraxitrachitic syndrome, ichthyosis variegata and palmoplantar keratoderma with anogenital leukokeratosis.
Moisturizers
Prevention of overheating
Eye drops (to prevent the eyes from becoming dried out)
Systemic Retinoids (isotretinoin and acitretin are very effective, but careful monitoring for toxicity is required. Only severe cases may require intermittent therapy. )Psychological therapy or support may be required as well. Ophthalmology Consult
ENT consult
Adequate nutrition
Monitor electrolytes < Collodion baby: An update with a focus on practical management. Renata Prado MD, Lixia Z Ellis MD, PhD, Ryan Gamble MD, Tracy Funk MD, Harvey Alan Arbuckle MD, Anna L Bruckner. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2012;67:1362-1374>

See also
Ichthyosis
Congenital ichthyosiform erythrodema
Bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma

References


== External links ==