Collodion babies are frequently born premature.
The condition may be self-limiting with shedding of the parchment-like
membrane within the first 1 to 4 weeks (maximally 12 weeks) of life,
however, the majority of children eventually progress to a form of
ichthyosis (i.e., congenital erythrodermic ichthyosis in 48%, lamellar
ichthyosis in 12%, and dominant ichthyosis vulgaris in 10%), whereas
only 10% of the patients eventually develop normal skin. Often the
clinical course is complicated by fungal and bacterial skin infections, that may result in sepsis.
Hands, feet, and the conjunctivae are the favorite sites of infections. High humidity
and application of nonocclusive lubricants may facilitate shedding of the membranes.
Other complications in the neonatal period include severe hypothermia, dehydration, and
hypernatremia. Ectropion and/or eclabium, flattened ears and nose, and characteristic
fixation of the lips in an O-shaped form are additional clinical findings. Respiratory
distress frequently occurs. Mortality now is below 10%, but the condition
remains serious.