Harlequin baby
Harlequin baby is a term used in medical field to call a baby who suffered a skin disease named ichthyosis. The disease also called as Harlequin Ichthysosis because the sufferer’s skin is cracked shaping diamond checkered shape, just like the shape of Harlequin pattern.
Information about the disease, taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlequin_type_ichthyosis.
Harlequin-type ichthyosis (also harlequin ichthyosis, ichthyosis congenita, Ichthyosis fetalis or keratosis diffusa fetalis), a skin disease, is the most severe form of congenital ichthyosis, characterized by a thickening of the keratin layer in fetal human skin. In sufferers of the disease, the skin contains massive, diamond-shaped scales, and tends to have a reddish color. In addition, the eyes, ears, mouth, and other appendages may be abnormally contracted. The scaly keratin greatly limits the child’s movement. Because the skin is cracked where normal skin would fold, it is easily pregnable by bacteriaand other contaminants, resulting in serious risk of fatal infection.
Sufferers are known as harlequin fetuses, harlequin babies, or harlequins.
The harlequin-type designation comes from both the baby’s apparent facial expression and the diamond-shape of the scales (resembling the costume of Arlecchino), which are caused by severe hyperkeratosis. The disease can be diagnosed in the uterus by way of fetal skin biopsy or by morphologic analysis ofamniotic fluid cells obtained by amniocentesis. In addition, doctors can now usually recognize common features of the disease through ultrasound, and follow up with 3D ultrasound to diagnose the condition.
