A collodion baby should be considered a presentation rather than an actual diagnosis. Epidermolytic ichthyosis, congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, lamellar ichthyosis, and several of other genodermatoses with ichthyosis as a component can present as a collodion baby. The newborn appears to be encased in a taut, shiny, thickened stratum corneum. The epidermis can become frayed very rapidly. Barrier function is diminished, and these neonates are at risk for dehydration. Breaks in the cutaneous barrier also place the newborn at risk for bacterial infections. In many cases, the membrane is shed and there is marked spontaneous improvement.