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.
Collodion baby
Collodion baby
What causes a collodion membrane?
The collodion membrane is due to abnormal desquamation. It is due to mutation of certain genes and is usually an autosomal recessive, congenitalichthyosis (scaly skin condition). However, 10% of collodion babies have normal underlying skin – a mild presentation known as ‘self-healing’ collodion baby.
What are the complications of the collodion membrane?
As the collodion membrane dries up it can crack leading to fissures. This affects the barrier function of the skin, leading to:
Infection
Overheating or cooling
Dehydration.
Another concern is that the membrane acts like a thick film causing physical constraints of underlying tissues. This can create problems with:
Suckling and nutrition
Breathing
Ectropion (lower eyelids turned outwards away from the eyeball)
Constriction bands resulting in reduced blood supply and swelling of the limbs.
What is the management of a collodion baby?
The baby is usually transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
An incubator provides a humidified, neutral temperature environment. Other supportive treatments such as intravenous fluid and tube feeding are often necessary.
The aim is to keep the skin soft and attempt to reduce scaling. The collodion membrane should not be debrided (pulled off). Treatment may include:
Regular emollients such as petrolatum to keep the skin moist
