NIPAL4 Gene

Nonbullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (NBCIE) is a condition that mainly affects the skin. Many infants with this condition are born with a tight, clear sheath covering their skin called a collodion membrane. Constriction by the membrane may cause the lips and eyelids to be turned out so the inner surface is exposed. The collodion membrane is usually shed during the first few weeks of life. Following shedding of the collodion membrane, the skin is red (erythroderma) and covered with fine, white scales (ichthyosis). Infants with NBCIE may develop infections, an excessive loss of fluids (dehydration), and respiratory problems early in life.

Some people with NBCIE have thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (palmoplantar keratoderma), decreased or absent sweating (anhidrosis), and abnormal nails (nail dystrophy). In severe cases, there is an absence of hair growth (alopecia) in certain areas, often affecting the scalp and eyebrows.

In individuals with NBCIE, some of the skin problems may improve by adulthood. Life expectancy is normal in people with NBCIE.

Lamellar ichthyosis is a condition that mainly affects the skin. Infants with this condition are typically born with a tight, clear sheath covering their skin called a collodion membrane. This membrane usually dries and peels off during the first few weeks of life, and then it becomes obvious that affected babies have scaly skin, and eyelids and lips that are turned outward. People with lamellar ichthyosis typically have large, dark, plate-like scales covering their skin on most of their body. Infants with lamellar ichthyosis may develop infections, an excessive loss of fluids (dehydration), and respiratory problems. Affected individuals may also have hair loss (alopecia), abnormally formed fingernails and toenails (nail dystrophy), a decreased ability to sweat (hypohidrosis), an increased sensitivity to heat, and a thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (keratoderma). Less frequently, affected individuals have reddened skin (erythema) and joint deformities (contractures).