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Harlequin type ichthyosis
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Harlequin type ichthyosis

Harlequin type ichthyosis, the most severe form of congenital ichthyosis, is characterized by a thickening of the keratin layer in fetal skin. The afflicted child is born with not skin, but massive, diamond-shaped scales. As well, the eyes, ears, mouth, and other appendages can be abnormally contracted. The scaly armor limits the child's movement, and because it is cracked where normal skin would fold, it is useless for skin's primary function – protection. Bacteria and other contaminants easily pass into the cracks and can cause lethal infections.

The term harlequin comes from both the baby's facial expression and the diamond-shaped pattern of the scales, which are caused by severe hyperkeratosis. Seventeenth century entertainers known as jesters, or harlequins, wore costumes with diamond patterns on them, as well as a particular style of face paint. The features of the harlequin fetus mimic this stylized makeup, and their faces are often pulled tight into grim parodies of a clown's smile.

The disease is also known as harlequin ichthyosis, ichthyosis congenita, and keratosis diffusa fetalis. Sufferers are known as harlequin fetuses, harlequin babies, or plain harlequins.

The underlying genetic and biochemical abnormalities that result in harlequin ichthyosis are not yet completely understood. The disease is generally thought to be recessive, so a harlequin fetus will only be born to two parents who carry the gene. The disease can be diagnosed in the womb by way of fetal skin biopsy.

In the past, the disorder was invariably fatal, whether due to dehydration, infection, restricted respiration due to the armored plating, or other related causes. The most common cause of death is systemic infection. However, there have been improvements in care, and some children have survived into adolescance. Because of this, and the onset of political correctness, the terms harlequin baby or just harlequin are now preferred over harlequin fetus.

The features of sufferers are very deformed. The ears may be very poorly developed or absent entirely, as well with the nose. The eyelids are severely everted, which leaves the eyes and the area around them very susceptible to trauma. They often bleed upon birth. The lips, pulled by the dry skin, are fixed into a vestige of a clown's smile, which many find extremely disconcerting. Arms, feet, and fingers are almost always deformed in such a way that they cannot bend properly, and may be below the normal size. Polydactyly, a condition in which one has more than the usual number of toes or fingers, has also been found in these infants.

They are extremely susceptible to changes in temperature due to their plated skin, which prevents normal heat loss. This can result in hyperthermia. Their respiration is also restricted by the skin, which impedes the chest wall from expanding and drawing in enough air. This can lead to hyperventilation and respiratory failure. Harlequins are often dehydrated, as their plated skin is not well suited to keeping water in.

The disease has been known since around 1750. More than a hundred cases have been reported internationally in modern times. Neither gender nor race seems to make a difference in likelihood of a child having the disorder. Those with families with a history of severe skin disorders may have a higher risk of birthing a harlequin child.

Websites with photos of harlequin fetuses are often linked to on forums by internet trolls as a shock tactic. Though unintended as shock sites, they work well in that regard, because of the strange and rather disturbing nature of the disease.

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