Harlequin-type ichthyosis is a very rare severe genetic disease, which causes thickening of the skin. At birth, the child’s whole body is encased in an 'armour' of thick white plates of skin, separated with deep cracks. In addition, the eyes, ears, penis, and limbs may be abnormally contracted. Because of resultant cracked skin in locations where normal skin would fold, it is easily pregnable by bacteria and other contaminants, which can result in serious risk of fatal infection.