Unveiling the Potential of Dermoscopy in Diagnosing Netherton Syndrome

Netherton syndrome (NS) is a rare genetic skin disorder characterized by congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, trichorrhexis invaginata (TI), and atopic diathesis, with an incidence of 1 in 100,000–200,000 live births. This case report discusses a 6-year-old boy with NS, presenting with generalized scaly lesions and severe itching, initially misdiagnosed as atopic dermatitis. Trichoscopy revealed characteristic bamboo, golf tee, and matchstick hair patterns, aiding in the diagnosis. NS is challenging to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions, but trichoscopy serves as a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool. Although there is no complete cure, treatment options include topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. Regular follow-up is essential due to the risk of skin cancer.