Cicatricial ectropion in ichthyosis: a novel approach to treatment

Abstract

Four kinds of ichthyosiform dermatoses have been described. Only lamellar ichthyosis or ichthyosis congenita is associated with the development of ectropion and subsequent eye symptoms. Conservative treatments have been tried but surgical correction of the ectropion was ultimately required for symptomatic relief. Autografts have been used successfully, provided an available donor site can be found. Grafts taken from the arm, eyelids, postauricular skin, and groin have been used with success. An uncircumcised youth with total body involvement from ichthyosis developed bilateral upper and lower ectropion. The penile foreskin was the only possible suitable donor site because it seemed unaffected by the disease. A circumcision was performed and the foreskin divided into four separate full-thickness skin graft triangles to treat the four-lid ectropion. There was successful resolution of the eye symptoms and a watertight closure. To our knowledge, this is a unique case in which penile foreskin has been used to correct cicatricial ectropion.