Harlequin ichthyosis, also known as a harlequin fetus, ichthyosis fetalis, or harlequin baby syndrome, refers to a condition where infants are born with thick, hyperkeratotic scales covering their entire body. The thick layer of skin can crack and split leaving large plates of skin with fissures. What is a Harlequin Baby?

Understanding the Context

Understand the genetic origins, immediate life-threatening symptoms, and specialized care that improves survival rates. Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Most people with harlequin ichthyosis carry a genetic mutation that causes cells to make ABCA12 proteins that are too short and ... Harlequin-type ichthyosis is caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the ABCA12 gene.

Key Insights

This gene is important in regulating protein synthesis for the development of the skin layer. Harlequin ichthyosis is a rare genetic skin disease that affects newborns. When an infant is born with the condition, their body is covered with plates of hard, thick skin that crack and split apart. A so-called “harlequin fetus” will have symptoms of this rare condition before birth. Babies with harlequin ichthyosis are born with tight, scaled skin all over their bodies.

Final Thoughts

Harlequin ichthyosis is a severe genetic disorder that affects the skin. Infants with this condition are born prematurely with very hard, thick skin covering most of their bodies. Harlequin ichthyosis is a rare genetic disorder that affects the skin. Newborn infants are covered with plates of thick skin that crack and split apart, that can pull at and distort facial features and can inhibit breathing and eating.