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Living with Ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens

A rare inherited skin condition with blisters and raw areas at birth and thickened, scaly skin.

Understanding Ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens

Ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens (also called superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis) is a rare skin condition with superficial blisters and raw areas at birth.

It is a type of keratinopathic ichthyosis, a group of scaly skin conditions linked to skin protein changes. Symptoms appear in the newborn period or infancy.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Blisters on the skin
  • Scaly, dry skin (ichthyosis)
  • Thin skin
  • Thickened skin on the palms and soles
  • Swelling (edema)
  • Redness of the skin (less common)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in KRT2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing for the KRT2 gene confirm the diagnosis?
How should we care for blistered or raw skin?
What is the chance that other family members are affected?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesKRT2

Changes in the KRT2 gene cause this condition. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, so one changed copy of the gene can be enough.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: bullous type ichthyosis; ibs; sei; superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Ichthyosis bullosa of SiemensGARD ID 2966 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens.

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