X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping

Genetic condition causes skin layers to shed every four to eight hours

23 Aug, 2016

When doctors discovered little Harper’s condition, they weren’t optimistic that the infant would survive. They even warned parents Angie and Kevin to prepare for the worst.

According to a Mirror report, Harper Foy is one of only 13 people and the youngest in the world with a condition called Harlequin Ichthyosis—a genetic illness causing the skin to grow seven to 10 times faster than normal.

“While in the womb, Harper’s skin tissue built up so that when the tot was born, she was covered in hard plaques that had stopped the circulation in her feet and hands,” the report said.

Genetic Condition Causes Skin layers To Shed Every Four To Eight Hours

Photo credit: Caters News Agency / Mirror

Despite surgeons’ efforts to remove these plaques, Harper lost the tips of on her four fingers.

“We had no idea she had the condition until she was born, we were so shocked,” the mother from Edmonds, Washington said.

“When she was born she didn’t look like a human, she looked like an alien. It was very traumatic.”

Even though the odds were stacked against her, the little fighter continues to surprise everyone; after spending a month in the hospital battling an infection, her mother was able to bring her home.

Photo credit: Caters News Agency / Mirror

Photo credit: Caters News Agency / Mirror

Having no cure for her condition, Harper needs constant attention: her skin needs to be hydrated and moisturized because she sheds layers of skin every four to eight hours.

“I fear for her when she is older, you know, not looking like a normal kid,” Angie confessed. “She’s going to have problem with her eyes and mobility. She will never be able play contact sports but that’s the most part.”

Harper is turning one on September 20th.

Find out more about Harlequin Ichthtosis on the next page

What is Harlequin Ichthyosis?

Harlequin Ichthyosis is a severe genetic disorder that mainly affects the skin, says Genetics Home Reference. Those who have the condition are born with very hard, thick skin covering most of their bodies.

The skin forms large, diamond-shaped plates that are separated by deep cracks (fissures).

Not only that, these skin abnormalities affect the shape of the eyelids, nose, mouth, and ears, and limit movement of the arms and legs.

Restricted movement of the chest can then lead to breathing difficulties and respiratory failure.

“The skin normally forms a protective barrier between the body and its surrounding environment,” GHR says.

“The skin abnormalities associated with harlequin ichthyosis disrupt this barrier, making it more difficult for affected infants to control water loss, regulate their body temperature, and fight infections.”

Partner Stories
Wish You Were Here: Family-friendly Outdoor Activities To Do In Hong Kong
Wish You Were Here: Family-friendly Outdoor Activities To Do In Hong Kong
Globe FamSURF199: Fast, affordable, and family-friendly internet connection
Globe FamSURF199: Fast, affordable, and family-friendly internet connection
IKEA celebrates the joys of motherhood
IKEA celebrates the joys of motherhood
Next-Gen Ford Everest: 6 Reasons Why This Is Your Family's Next Dream Car!
Next-Gen Ford Everest: 6 Reasons Why This Is Your Family's Next Dream Car!

READ: A rare illness is causing this boy’s skin to turn into stone

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below or check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful parenting news and tips . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

James Martinez

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Lifestyle Section
  • /
  • Genetic condition causes skin layers to shed every four to eight hours
Share:
  • Fire safety tips for the family this Christmas

    Fire safety tips for the family this Christmas

  • 8 Tips on how to encourage your child to save money

    8 Tips on how to encourage your child to save money

  • Do smart kids believe in Santa? The result of this study will astonish you!

    Do smart kids believe in Santa? The result of this study will astonish you!

  • Fire safety tips for the family this Christmas

    Fire safety tips for the family this Christmas

  • 8 Tips on how to encourage your child to save money

    8 Tips on how to encourage your child to save money

  • Do smart kids believe in Santa? The result of this study will astonish you!

    Do smart kids believe in Santa? The result of this study will astonish you!

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it