Migratory ichthyosiform dermatosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance

Background: In addition to the well-defined hereditary primary ichthyoses, many sporadic or less well-defined keratinization disorders with or without systemic manifestations have been reported. Herein we describe ichthyosiform dermatosis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Observations: The patients were members of a large Arab family with heavy consanguinity. Eighteen members were affected with a variously severe scaly disorder. They showed migratory polycyclic keratotic scaly plaques evolving into diffuse generalized scaling or complete remission. Acanthosis nigricans- like lesions were also noted, and there was an association with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A scarcity of intercorneocyte lamellae and reduction in lamellar body contents were observed. Conclusions: We could not find a report of a similar dermatosis. Furthermore, an association between ichthyosis and diabetes has not been documented. Therefore, we believe that this may constitute a new entity.