Colloidon baby and ndash; Rare case with preventable complications

Colloidon baby is a rare congenital disorder characterized clinically by parchment like taught membrane covering the whole body at the time of birth, which subsequently develops Non bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma or Lamellar ichthyiosis in most cases and in few cases other ichthyosiform disorders. The colloidon membrane spontaneously desquamates within 2 weeks or up to 3 months in few cases. Herein, we present 2 cases of colloidon babies born to consanguineously married couples of which the first baby was born at term by normal vaginal delivery and second baby born prematurely by caesarean section. Both 1st and 2nd baby were delivered in different private hospitals in villages of Nizamabad district, Telangana state and reported to tertiary level children's hospital in Hyderabad city on 4nd and 6th day of life respectively with complaints of colloidon membrane and maceration of skin in diaper area, was admitted in Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in humidified incubator, treated with emollients, intra-venous fluids and prophylactic antibiotics to avoid complications. Nursing care is of prime importance. This presentation was aimed at stressing not only the importance of early recognition by pediatrician and timely referral to dermatologist and ophthalmologist for saving life of affected baby but also equal importance to proper nursing care.