Lamellar ichthyosis

Lamellar ichthyosis is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder characterized by non-bullous erythroderma and scaling at birth. We report a patient born encased in a collodion membrane, who later developed generalized, brownish, plate-like scales, anhidrotic skin, scarring alopecia, bilateral ectropion, with a family history of similar-looking skin condition. Skin biopsy demonstrated marked lamellated orthohyperkeratosis and areas of hypergranulosis. Therapeutic trial of four topical agents (extravirgin coconut oil, urea lotion, mineral oil and petroleum jelly) was done which gave minimal improvement of scaling and dryness. Oral retinoids (Acitretin) was then initiated and yielded better results.