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Living with Wrinkly skin syndrome

A genetic condition from infancy with loose, wrinkly skin and a late-closing soft spot, with other features that vary.

Understanding Wrinkly skin syndrome

Wrinkly skin syndrome is a genetic condition with sagging or wrinkly skin, reduced skin stretch, and late closing of the baby's soft spot (fontanel).

Other signs vary widely. GARD says it appears to be the mild version of autosomal recessive cutis laxa syndrome type 2. Features can include low muscle tone in infancy, hip dislocation from birth, and speech delay.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Wrinkled skin, especially on the hands and feet
  • Late closing of the soft spot
  • Low muscle tone in infancy (floppy infant)
  • Delayed speech and language
  • Hip dislocation from birth
  • Dental cavities and late tooth eruption

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 autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists, bone and joint specialists, brain and nervous system specialists and digestive system specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in ATP6V0A2 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

    Epilepsy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Epilepsy Foundation
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 Epilepsy Foundation 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
Could ATP6V0A2 genetic testing confirm the diagnosis?
Which specialists should be on my child's care team?
What therapies can support muscle tone and speech?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesATP6V0A2

Wrinkly skin syndrome can be caused by changes in the ATP6V0A2 gene. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive).

GeneticNeurologicalGastrointestinalSkinInherited Metabolic

Also known as: type of gerodermia osteodysplastica; wrinkled skin syndrome; wss; wss - wrinkly skin syndrome

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Wrinkly skin syndromeGARD ID 273 · 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 Wrinkly skin syndrome.

Explore the Wrinkly skin syndrome blog

Explore research for Wrinkly skin syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Wrinkly skin syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Wrinkly skin syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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