Nusrit Shaheen Nusrit Shaheen Nusrit "Nelly" Shaheen (born 1984) is the longest-living survivor of harlequin-type ichthyosis in the United Kingdom and one of the longest-living in the world. She lives in Coventry, and was one of nine children. Four of her siblings had harlequin, but died at a young age. Many survivors of harlequin are predicted to die before or during their teens, but Nelly is now in her 30s and contributing to living a long, healthy and rewarding life. Nelly's medical condition, harlequin-type ichthyosis, is a seriously rare genetic condition which means her skin forms up to 10x more than the
Harlequin-type ichthyosis autosomal recessive manner. Diagnosis is often based on appearance at birth and confirmed by genetic testing. Before birth amniocentesis or ultrasound may support the diagnosis. There is no cure. Early in life constant supportive care is typically required. Treatments may include moisturizing cream, antibiotics, etretinate, or retinoids. It affects about 1 per 300,000 births. Both sexes are affected equally commonly. Long term problems are common. Death in the first month is relatively common. The condition was first documented in 1750. Newborns with harlequin-type ichthyosis present with thick, fissured armor-plate hyperkeratosis. Sufferers feature severe cranial and facial deformities. The ears may