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 welldefined 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. Arch Dermatol. 1999;135:1237-1242