Congenital Ichthyosis in a Nigerian preterm neonate: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Congenital ichthyoses are relatively uncommon skin disorder s wi th worldwide occurrence. The ichthyoses are heterogenous disorders of keratinisation characterised by scaling of the skin of varying severity. This report describes a case of congenital ichthyosis in a preterm, male Hausa infant which happened to be the first case managed at the OOUTH, Sagamu. The infant was managed using stringent thermoregulation, optimal hydration, use of topical emollient and antibiotics. Although, the skin disorder resolved within fifteen days of treatment, the infant thereafter developed inguinoscrotal hernia and hydrocephalus necessitating surgical consult. The case is reported to highlight the good outcome of the cutaneous disorder following conservative management in a low-resource setting.

Keywords: Collodion baby, Congenital ichthyosis , hydrocephalus, newborn, Sagamu