Picture of the Month

The statements listed below are best associated with which of the above figures:

• (a) Heat intolerance may be a complication in this condition.

• (b) Topical or intralesional corticosteroid therapy may hasten involution.

• (c) Seizures may complicate this disorder.

Denouement and Discussion  (a) The collodion baby, a form of ichthyosis, is covered at birth by a thick, taut membrane resembling an oiled parchment or collodion (Fig 2). The membrane is shed shortly after birth followed by generalized thick, scaly lesions. Histologic sections of the affected skin show marked hyperkeratosis, a thickened granular layer, and slight acanthosis. Obstruction of the sweat glands results in diminished sweating and heat intolerance. It is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.(b) Granuloma annulare is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the dermal collagen. The sites most commonly affected are the dorsa of the hands and feet, scalp, ankles, and elbows (Fig 3). Most lesions resolve spontaneously after months or years. Topical or intralesional corticosteroid therapy may hasten involution. Histologie findings of the lesion are usually diagnostic.