Ichthyosis follicularis with alopecia and photophobia syndrome Ichthyosis follicularis with alopecia and photophobia syndrome IFAP syndrome is an extremely rare genetic syndrome. It is also known as Ichthyosis follicularis, alopecia, and photophobia syndrome or simply ichthyosis follicularis. It is extremely rare: there were only 10 known cases (all male) in 1998. The main symptoms are given by its name: dry, scaly skin (ichthyosis), absence of hair (atrichia) and excessive sensitivity to light (photophobia). Additional features include short stature, mental retardation, seizures and a tendency for respiratory infections. Most cases are X-linked recessive but there may be as many as three types. As well as a classical X-linked
Ichthyosis life-threatening conditions such as harlequin-type ichthyosis. Ichthyosis vulgaris accounts for more than 95% of cases. There are many types of ichthyoses, and an exact diagnosis may be difficult. Types of ichthyoses are classified by their appearance and their genetic cause. Ichthyosis caused by the same gene can vary considerably in severity and symptoms. Some ichthyoses do not appear to fit exactly into any one type. Different genes can produce ichthyoses with similar symptoms. Of note, X-linked ichthyosis is associated with Kallmann syndrome (close to the "KAL1" gene). The most common or well-known types are as follows: A physician often can