Some newborns are born with a shiny, parchment-like layer of skin, almost as if they are wrapped in plastic. This rare case is called the Collodion Baby Syndrome.
Collodion syndrome isn’t a disease in itself but a newborn skin condition.
Babies are born covered in a tight, glossy membrane (the “collodion membrane”).
Within days to weeks, this membrane sheds, revealing the underlying skin disorder.
After the membrane peels off, the baby may develop:
Or sometimes, near-normal skin if the condition resolves spontaneously.
Some of the challenges faced due to the tight membrane are restricted breathing, eye deformities, and feeding difficulties. If the skin barrier is weak, there are higher risk of infections, dehydration, and heat imbalance.
Management:
Intensive neonatal care, with humidified incubators and regular application of emollients.
Preventing infection and maintaining hydration are lifesaving steps.
Long-term outcome depends on the underlying type of ichthyosis.
I came across one baby born with Collodion Syndrome. And that was way back as a senior resident Peds at St Stephen hospital, Delhi. The baby was delivered there and came to NICU for care.
Collodion baby is the name given to a baby who is born encased in a skin that resembles a yellow, tight and shiny film or dried collodion (sausage skin). These babies are often premature.The collodion membrane undergoes desquamation or peeling, which is usually complete by 2 to 3 weeks of life. This reveals the underlying skin disorder.
This is a powerful post that highlights the reality of a very rare condition. It’s so important that we understand these challenges. The article does a great job of explaining what “collodion baby” means and the intensive care needed to help these little ones through their first few days.
A collodion baby is a newborn encased in a shiny, tight, parchment-like membrane that peels off within weeks. It’s not a disease itself but a presentation, often linked to inherited ichthyosis or other skin disorders. This rare condition highlights the marvel and fragility of neonatal dermatology—where one look at the skin can tell a story of complex genetics, urgent care needs, and the resilience of life from its very first breath.
As it has autosomal recessive inheritance , it is mainly seen in consanguinity .It used to have high mortality in the past but modern NICU and retinoids (acitretin) has become a game changer.