Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Incontinentia pigmenti

Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome

 

Incontinentia pigmenti is a skin condition passed down through families. It leads to unusual blistering and changes in skin color.

Causes

 

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is caused by an x-linked dominant genetic defect.

The condition is most often seen in females. When it occurs in males, it is lethal.

 

Symptoms

 

Infants with IP are born with streaky, blistering areas. When the areas heal, they turn into rough bumps. Eventually, these bumps go away, but leave behind darkened skin, called hyperpigmentation . After several years, the skin returns to normal. In some adults, there may be areas of lighter colored skin ( hypopigmentation ).

IP is associated with central nervous system problems, including:

  • Delayed development
  • Loss of movement (paralysis)
  • Intellectual disability
  • Muscle spasms
  • Seizures

People with IP may also have abnormal teeth, hair loss , and vision problems .

 

Exams and Tests

 

The doctor will perform a physical exam, look at the eyes, and test muscle movement.

There may be unusual patterns and blisters on the skin, as well as bone abnormalities. An eye exam may reveal cataracts , strabismus (crossed eyes), or other problems.

To confirm diagnosis, these tests may be done:

  • Blood tests
  • Skin biopsy
  • CT or MRI scan of the brain

 

Treatment

 

There is no specific treatment for IP. Treatment is aimed at the individual symptoms. For example, glasses may be needed to improve vision. Medicine may be prescribed to help control seizures or muscle spasms.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

How well a person does depends on the severity of central nervous system involvement and eye problems.

 

When to Call a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if:

  • You have a family history of IP and are considering having children
  • Your child has symptoms of this disorder

 

Prevention

 

Genetic counseling may be helpful for those with a family history of IP who are considering having children.

 

 

Open References

References

Islam MP, Roach ES. Neurocutaneous syndromes. In: Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 65.

James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM. Genodermatoses and congenital anomalies. James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 27.

 
  • Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg

    Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg - illustration

    Incontinentia pigmenti produces darkly-pigmented swirling marks on the skin. It occurs more frequently in females. The skin lesions are divided into three stages: blisters (vesicles and bullae) are present at birth or within the first 6 to 7 weeks, followed by a rough wart-like (verrucous) stage, and lastly, swirled and bizarre patterns of dark pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) appear.

    Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg

    illustration

  • Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg

    Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg - illustration

    Incontinentia pigmenti produces darkly-pigmented swirling marks on the skin. It occurs more frequently in females. The skin lesions are divided into three stages: blisters (vesicles and bullae) are present at birth or within the first 6 to 7 weeks, followed by a rough wart-like (verrucous) stage, and lastly, swirled and bizarre patterns of dark pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) appear.

    Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg

    illustration

    • Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg

      Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg - illustration

      Incontinentia pigmenti produces darkly-pigmented swirling marks on the skin. It occurs more frequently in females. The skin lesions are divided into three stages: blisters (vesicles and bullae) are present at birth or within the first 6 to 7 weeks, followed by a rough wart-like (verrucous) stage, and lastly, swirled and bizarre patterns of dark pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) appear.

      Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg

      illustration

    • Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg

      Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg - illustration

      Incontinentia pigmenti produces darkly-pigmented swirling marks on the skin. It occurs more frequently in females. The skin lesions are divided into three stages: blisters (vesicles and bullae) are present at birth or within the first 6 to 7 weeks, followed by a rough wart-like (verrucous) stage, and lastly, swirled and bizarre patterns of dark pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) appear.

      Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg

      illustration

     

    Review Date: 4/14/2015

    Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

     
     
     

     

     

    A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



    Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.