This condition is characterised by symmetrical lesions on the temples resembling forceps marks. It is characterized a puckered skin due to a virtual absence of subcutaneous fat. It is apparent at birth. Other lesions that may be present include puffy, wrinkled skin around the eyes and/or abnormalities of the eyelashes, eyebrows, and eyelids. The eyebrows may be up slanting or outward slanting. Occasionally the bridge of the nose may appear flat, while the tip may appear unusually rounded. The chin may be furrowed. The upper lip may be prominent with a down turned mouth. Other features that have been reported include dysplastic and low set ears, linear radiatory impressions on the forehead and congenital horizontal nystagmus.

Those with the Setleis syndrome may be missing eyelashes on both the upper and lower lids or may have multiple rows of lashes on the upper lids but none on the lower lids.A possible association with intra abdominal cancer has been reported but to date this has not been confirmed in other studies.

Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia 2, or Clouston syndrome (referred to as HED2 throughout this entry) is characterized by partial or total alopecia, dystrophy of the nails, hyperpigmentation of the skin (especially over the joints), and clubbing of the fingers. Sparse scalp hair and dysplastic nails are seen early in life. In infancy, scalp hair is wiry, brittle, patchy, and pale; progressive hair loss may lead to total alopecia by puberty. The nails may be milky white in early childhood; they gradually become dystrophic, thick, and distally separated from the nail bed. Palmoplantar keratoderma may develop during childhood and increases in severity with age. The clinical manifestations are highly variable even within the same family.

Naegeli–Franceschetti–Jadassohn syndrome (NFJS), also known as chromatophore nevus of Naegeli and Naegeli syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant form of ectodermal dysplasia, characterized by reticular skin pigmentation, diminished function of the sweat glands, the absence of teeth and hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. One of the most striking features is the absence of fingerprint lines on the fingers.

Naegeli syndrome is similar to dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis, both of which are caused by a specific defect in the keratin 14 protein.

These are pleomorphic and include

- dolichocephaly (with or without sagittal suture synostosis)

- microcephaly

- pre- and postnatal growth retardation

- brachydactyly

- narrow thorax

- rhizomelic dwarfism

- epicanthal folds

- hypodontia and/or microdontia

- sparse, slow-growing, hyperpigmented, fine hair

- nail dysplasia

- hypohydrosis

- chronic renal failure

- heart defects

- liver fibrosis

- visual deficits

- photophobia

- hypoplasia of the posterior corpus callosum

- aberrant calcium homeostasis

Electroretinography shows gross abnormalities.

Two fetuses of 19 and 23 weeks gestation have also been reported. They showed acromesomelic shortening, craniofacial characteristics with absence of craniosynostosis, small kidneys with tubular and glomerular microscopic cysts, persistent ductal plate with portal fibrosis in the liver, small adrenals, an enlarged cisterna magna and a posterior fossa cyst.

Focal facial dermal dysplasia (FFDD) is a rare genetically heterogeneous group of disorders that are characterized by congenital bilateral scar like facial lesions, with or without associated facial anomalies. It is characterized by hairless lesions with fingerprint like puckering of the skin, especially at the temples, due to alternating bands of dermal and epidermal atrophy.

This condition is also known as Brauer syndrome (hereditary symmetrical aplastic nevi of temples, bitemporal aplasia cutis congenita, bitemporal aplasia cutis congenita: OMIM ) and Setleis syndrome (facial ectodermal dysplasia: OMIM ).

Fingernails and toenails may be thick, abnormally shaped, discolored, ridged, slow-growing, or brittle. The cuticles may be prone to infections.

Common symptoms include:

- Excess keratin in nail beds and thickening of the nails

- Hyperkeratosis on hands and feet

- Oral lesions that look like thick white plaques

- Steatocystoma multiplex

- Pain

- Blisters

The skin may be lightly pigmented. Skin sustaining injury may grow back permanently hypo-pigmented. In some cases, red or brown pigmentation may be present. Skin can be prone to rashes or infections and can be thick over the palms and soles. Care must be taken to prevent cracking, bleeding, and infection.

People with ODD syndrome often have a characteristic appearance. Visible features of the condition include:

- small teeth that are prone to caries because of underdeveloped tooth enamel;

- a long, thin nose;

- unusually small eyes; and

- type III syndactyly of the fourth and fifth fingers.

Iris atrophy and glaucoma are more common than average. The size of the eyes often interferes with learning to read; special eyeglasses may be required. Hair may be fine, thin, dry, or fragile; in some families, it is curly.

Neurologic abnormalities may be seen in adults. The neurologic changes may appear earlier in each subsequent generation and can include abnormal white matter, conductive deafness, and various kinds of paresis, including ataxia, spastic paraplegia, difficulty controlling the eyes, and bladder and bowel disturbances.

Lelis syndrome it is a genetic disorder, a rare condition with dermatological and dental findings characterized by the association of ectodermal dysplasia (hypotrichosis and hypohidrosis) with acanthosis nigricans. Other clinical features may include palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, nail dystrophy, intellectual deficit, disturbances of skin pigmentation (perioral and periorbital hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, and perinevic leukoderma) and hypodontia. Transmission is autosomal recessive.

Symptoms include lack of sweat glands, thin hair, brittle nails, mottled skin, and lack of fingerprints.

The presentation may be of alopecia (baldness). Individuals vary in severity of symptoms. Nail deformities may also be present as well as hair follicle keratosis and follicular hyperkeratosis.

Most people with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia have a reduced ability to sweat (hypohidrosis) because they have fewer sweat glands than normal or their sweat glands do not function properly. Sweating is a major way that the body controls its temperature; as sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body. An inability to sweat can lead to a dangerously high body temperature (hyperthermia) particularly in hot weather. In some cases, hyperthermia can cause life-threatening medical problems.

Affected individuals tend to have sparse scalp and body hair (hypotrichosis). The hair is often light-coloured, brittle, and slow-growing. This condition is also characterized by absent teeth (hypodontia) or teeth that are malformed. The teeth that are present are frequently small and pointed.

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is associated with distinctive facial features including a prominent forehead, thick lips, and a flattened bridge of the nose. Additional features of this condition include thin, wrinkled, and dark-colored skin around the eyes; chronic skin problems such as eczema; and a bad-smelling discharge from the nose (ozena).

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is the most common form of ectodermal dysplasia in humans. It is estimated to affect at least 1 in 17,000 people worldwide.

Pure hair-nail type ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic mutation in the "hair matrix and cuticle keratin KRTHB5 gene" that causes ectodermal dysplasia of hair and nail type. Manifestations of this disorder include onychodystrophy and severe hypotrichosis. It represents as an autosomal dominant trait.

Clinically, three distinct patterns of palmoplantar keratoderma may be identified: diffuse, focal, and punctate.

Signs and symptoms include:

- syndromic facies

- hearing loss

- facial paralysis

Sensenbrenner syndrome (OMIM #218330) is a rare (less than 20 cases reported by 2010) multisystem disease first described in 1975. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, and a number of genes appear to be responsible. Three genes responsible have been identified: intraflagellar transport (IFT)122 (WDR10), IFT43 — a subunit of the IFT complex A machinery of primary cilia, and WDR35 (IFT121: TULP4)

It is also known as Sensenbrenner–Dorst–Owens syndrome, Levin Syndrome I and cranioectodermal dysplasia (CED)

Monilethrix (also referred to as beaded hair) is a rare autosomal dominant hair disease that results in short, fragile, broken hair that appears beaded. It comes from the Latin word for necklace ("monile") and the Greek word for hair ("thrix").

DPR is comparable to Naegeli syndrome, both of which are caused by a specific defect in the keratin 14 protein.

People with this condition are short-statured from birth, with a very short trunk and shortened limbs. Their hands and feet, however, are usually average-sized. Curvature of the spine (scoliosis and lumbar lordosis) may be severe and can cause problems with breathing. Changes in the spinal bones (vertebrae) in the neck may also increase the risk of spinal cord damage. Other skeletal signs include flattened vertebrae (platyspondyly), severe protrusion of the breastbone (pectus carinatum), a hip joint deformity in which the upper leg bones turn inward (coxa vara), and a foot deformity known as clubfoot.

Affected individuals have mild and variable changes in their facial features. The cheekbones close to the nose may appear flattened. Some infants are born with an opening in the roof of the mouth, which is called a cleft palate. Severe nearsightedness (high myopia) and detachment of the retina (the part of the eye that detects light and color) are also common.

Robinow noted the resemblance of affected patients' faces to that of a fetus, using the term "fetal facies" to describe the appearance of a small face and widely spaced eyes. Clinical features also may include a short, upturned nose, a prominent forehead, and a flat nasal bridge. The upper lip may be "tented", exposing dental crowding, "tongue tie", or gum hypertrophy.

Though the eyes do not protrude, abnormalities in the lower eyelid may give that impression. Surgery may be necessary if the eyes cannot close fully. In addition, the ears may be set low on the head or have a deformed pinna.

Patients suffer from dwarfism, short lower arms, small feet, and small hands. Fingers and toes may also be abnormally short and laterally or medially bent. The thumb may be displaced and some patients, notably in Turkey, experience ectrodactyly. All patients often suffer from vertebral segmentation abnormalities. Those with the dominant variant have, at most, a single butterfly vertebra. Those with the recessive form, however, may suffer from hemivertebrae, vertebral fusion, and rib anomalies. Some cases resemble Jarcho-Levin syndrome or spondylocostal dysostosis.

Genital defects characteristically seen in males include a micropenis with a normally developed scrotum and testes. Sometimes, testicles may be undescended, or the patient may suffer from hypospadias. Female genital defects may include a reduced size clitoris and underdeveloped labia minora. Infrequently, the labia majora may also be underdeveloped. Some research has shown that females may experience vaginal atresia or haematocolpos.

The autosomal recessive form of the disorder tends to be much more severe. Examples of differences are summarized in the following table:

Clouston's hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (also known as "Alopecia congenita with keratosis palmoplantaris," "Clouston syndrome," "Fischer–Jacobsen–Clouston syndrome," "Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia," "Keratosis palmaris with drumstick fingers," and "Palmoplantar keratoderma and clubbing") is caused by mutations in a connexin gene, GJB6 or connexin-30, characterized by scalp hair that is wiry, brittle, and pale, often associated with patchy alopecia.

ANOTHER syndrome consists of alopecia, nail dystrophy, ophthalmic complications, thyroid dysfunction, hypohidrosis, ephelides and enteropathy, and respiratory tract infections. This is an autosomal recessive variant of ectodermal dysplasia.

Severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans (SADDAN), is a very rare genetic disorder. This disorder is one that affects bone growth and is characterized by skeletal, brain, and skin abnormalities. Those affected by the disorder are severely short in height and commonly possess shorter arms and legs. In addition, the bones of the legs are often bowed and the affected have smaller chests with shorter rib bones, along with curved collarbones. Other symptoms of the disorder include broad fingers and extra folds of skin on the arms and legs. Developmentally, many individuals who suffer from the disorder show a higher level in delays and disability. Seizures are also common due to structural abnormalities of the brain. Those affected may also suffer with apnea, the slowing or loss of breath for short periods of time.

Many of the features of SADDAN are similar to those seen in other skeletal disorders, specifically achondroplasia and thanatophoric dysplasia.

Achondroplasia is a form of short-limbed dwarfism. This type of dwarfism is caused by the inability of the cartilage of the skeleton to ossify and turn to bone. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition in which areas of the skin is of a dark and velvety discoloration, often seen in the body folds and creases such as the armpits, groin, and neck. Within those affected by SADDAN, acanthosis nigricans develops early on, usually in infancy or early childhood.

Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma is a type of palmoplantar keratoderma that is characterized by an even, thick, symmetric hyperkeratosis over the whole of the palm and sole, usually evident at birth or in the first few months of life. Restated, diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma is an autosomal dominant disorder in which hyperkeratosis is confined to the palms and soles. The two major types can have a similar clinical appearance:

- "Diffuse epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma" (also known as "Palmoplantar keratoderma cum degeneratione granulosa Vörner," "Vörner's epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma", and "Vörner keratoderma") is one of the most common patterns of palmoplantar keratoderma, an autosomal dominant condition that presents within the first few months of life, characterized by a well-demarcated, symmetric thickening of palms and soles, often with a "dirty" snakeskin appearance due to underlying epidermolysis.

- "Diffuse nonepidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma" (also known as "Diffuse orthohyperkeratotic keratoderma," "Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma," "Keratosis extremitatum progrediens," "Keratosis palmoplantaris diffusa circumscripta," "Tylosis," "Unna–Thost disease", and "Unna–Thost keratoderma") is inherited as an autosomal dominant condition and is present from infancy, characterized by a well-demarcated, symmetric, often "waxy" keratoderma involving the whole of the palms and soles.