Incontinentia Pigmenti

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What is incontinentia pigmenti?

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is an inherited (genetic) condition that affects the skin and other systems in the body. Skin symptoms change with time and begin with a blistering rash in infancy, followed by wart-like skin growths. The growths become swirled grey or brown patches in childhood, and then swirled light patches in adulthood.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

  • Hair loss
  • Small or missing teeth
  • Eye abnormalities that can lead to vision loss
  • Lined or pitted fingernails and toenails
     
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    Learn About Clinical Trials
    Clinical trials are studies that allow us to learn more about disorders and improve care. They can help connect patients with new and upcoming treatment options.

    How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with incontinentia pigmenti?

    Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about the IP and related disorders.  Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

    All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

    For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with IP at Clinicaltrials.gov.

    Where can I find more information about incontinentia pigmenti?

    The following resources may provide additional information:

    Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

    MedlinePlus

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    Order publications from the NINDS Catalog
    The NINDS Publication Catalog offers printed materials on neurological disorders for patients, health professionals, and the general public. All materials are free of charge, and a downloadable PDF version is also available for most publications.