Congenital Skin Disorders
Skin is the largest organ of the body with the important job of protection. It is also the most visible organ that can reveal much about a person's health. Sometimes babies are born with that highly visible and vital organ already affected with some type of ailment. Congenital skin disorders can range from the very mild and itchy to the extremely severe and often fatal. Treatment should begin immediately under an experienced doctor's care.
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Significance
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Congenital skin disorders are abnormalities of the skin with which babies are born. Congenital disorders often start while the child is still in the womb. The cause of some congenital skin disorders is still unknown, while others can be traced back to hereditary or genetic conditions.
Types
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Congenital skin disorders cover a broad spectrum of different types of ailments. These can include acrodermatitis enteropathica, congenital ichthyosis, xeroderma pigmentosum, epidermolysis bullosa, hereditary hyperbilirubinemia, keratosis follicularis, pseudoxanthoma elasticum and urticaria pigmentosa. Several syndromes are also in the mix, such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome and Wiskott Aldrich syndrome.
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Features
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Congenital skin disorders can show up in a number of forms. Some will create skin vesicles, which are accumulations of fluid beneath the skin. Others will create dry red spots or patches, patches of darker skin pigmentation, rashes, blisters or pimples. Macules, which are small discolorations of the skin, lesions, hives and welts are other identifying marks of congenital skin disorders.
Prevention/Solution
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A variety of solutions or treatments are available for congenital skin disorders, all of which should be recommended or administered by a dermatologist. Some drugs, known as topical drugs, are applied directly to the skin to relieve the symptoms. These include ointments, lotions, soaks and powders. Other drugs, known as systemic drugs, are injected or taken orally. System drugs can also be applied in high doses to a particular area through intradermal injections.
Warning
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One of the most severe congenital skin disorders is harlequin icthyosis. The cause of this usually fatal disorder is still unknown, but the symptoms are unmistakable. The baby is often born premature and covered with a thick, armor-like covering that makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the baby to move. The skin can further dry out, flake and form into what looks like scales. Most affected are the lips, eyelids, ears and nose area, which are covered in the plating. While babies have been able to survive longer than they used to with this disorder, thanks to advanced neonatal intensive care, anyone with this disorder is most likely going to face a life of disfigurement and constant infections.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Illustration by Ryn Gargulinski
