Removal of a salivary gland does not produce a dry mouth, called xerostomia. However, radiation therapy to the mouth can cause the unpleasant symptoms associated with reduced salivary flow. Your doctor can prescribe medication or other conservative treatments that may reduce the dryness in these instances.
Harlequin Ichthyosis Causes. The harlequin ichthyosis is known to be genetic in nature. The ABC 12 gene, which directs the protein production that is necessary to have a normal skin growth, is being mutated which leads to this severe skin disorder. It is a gene that is responsible for the transportation of lipid.
The finding of a gene for harlequin ichthyosis may also allow development in the future of a specific treatment to replace the missing protein in the upper layers of the skin in this disease. There are families with one or more children with Harlequin ichthyosis who live happy and relatively normal lives. There are one or two adults with Harlequin ichthyosis who now have their own children.