Is this a Harlequin Skin Change?

Discussion Harlequins are comic characters originally from the Italian Commedia dell’arte who wore characteristic masks and brightly colored, well-demarcated (outlined) costumes. The comic’s or clown’s costumes vary and many are depicted with diamond shaped patterns. Colors can be predominantly bi-colored or multi-colored. Some costumes will divide the body in half or quarters with each section in a contrasting color or pattern. Pablo Picasso famously painted and sculpted harlequin performers many times in various costumes. Some examples can be seen here. There are at least 3 entities in medicine which use the term harlequin. Harlequin syndrome is a rare autonomic disorder. On the unaffected, or non-pathological half of the face, there is well-demarcated facial flushing which can be intense and the skin perspires. On the affected half, there is absent or reduced flushing and anhidrosis. One case report describes it as occurring bilaterally. It can be induced by heat, exercise or stress. It is mainly acquired but can be congenital (6%) and occurs in all ages. It is usually benign but can be associated with Horner’s syndrome and other similar ocular/facial syndromes, head/neck/brain masses, and viruses which attack the central nervous system. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. It was first described by Land and Drummond in 1988. Harlequin ichthyosis (sometimes termed Harlequin Baby Syndrome) is an congenital lamellar ichythosis that is autosomal recessive a...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news