Dermatophytosis and Sjögren-Larsson syndrome: foe or friend?

We report the patchy normalization of lamellar ichthyotic skin in Sjögren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) following a cutaneous Trichophyton rubrum infection. The dermatophytosis was pruritic and pustular, requiring treatment which was followed by the return of the lamellar ichthyosis. We discuss the possible mechanism of this clinical observation, which in turn may direct future therapy for difficult to treat ichthyotic skin seen in conditions such as SLS.