Scanning electron microscopy of the collodion membrane from a self-healing collodion baby

Abstract

Self-healing collodion baby is a well-established subtype of this condition. We examined a male newborn, who was covered by a collodion membrane. The shed membrane was examined with scanning electron microscopy. The outer surface showed a very compact keratin without the normal elimination of corneocytes. The lateral view of the specimen revealed a very thick, horny layer. The inner surface showed the structure of lower corneocytes with polygonal contour. With higher magnifications villous projections were seen in the cell membrane.

FIGURE 1

Clinical aspects with covering membrane on the trunk and face, with light ectropion and no eclabium.

FIGURE 2

Scanning electron microscopy of outer surface- a. compact membrane with a perforating vellous hair (x300). b. compact membrane without released corneocytes (x450). c. detail of the membrane with stony aspect (x800). d. comparison with normal control releasing corneocytes (x700).

FIGURE 3

Scanning electron microscopy - lateral view of the collodion membrane showing multilayered corneocytes (x1.500). Inset with normal skin showing the “basket weave “aspect of the horny layer (x1.200).

FIGURE 4

Scanning electron microscopy - general view of the inner surface showing irregular lower corneocytes (x700).

FIGURE 5

Scanning electron microscopy - detail of the lower corneocytes showing irregular cell outline, intercellular clefts and villous projections (x2.700- 4.000).