For the benefit of all our readers, ichthyosis vulgaris is an inherited skin disorder in which dead skin cells accumulate in thick, dry scales on your skin's surface. The scales of ichthyosis vulgaris, sometimes called fish scale disease or fish skin disease, can be present at birth, but usually first appear during early childhood.
Inherited ichthyosis is caused by a genetic defect that is passed from parent to child or that occurs spontaneously.
Acquired ichthyosis is relatively rare but may be caused by any of the following:
Leprosy (extremely rare in the US)
Underactive thyroid
Lymphoma ( Hodgkin's , Non-Hodgkin's )
Sarcoidosis
AIDS
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for ichthyosis include:
Family member with ichthyosis
Cold weather
Frequent or prolonged bathing, especially in hot water
Harsh soaps or detergents
Soaps or lotions containing certain scents or perfumes
Since there is no cure for ichthyosis, treatment consists of managing the symptoms. Most treatment is aimed at keeping the skin moist. In severe cases, medication may be prescribed. For the acquired form, treatment that lessens the severity of the underlying noninherited condition may also help lessen the symptoms of the associated ichthyosis.
Moisturizing Skin
Many types of moisturizing ointments, lotions, and creams are used to lessen or alleviate symptoms of ichthyosis. These include:
Petroleum jelly
Mineral oil
Creams, lotions, and ointments containing vitamin A
A large variety of nonprescription, unscented moisturizers
For ichthyosis that causes scaling:
Solutions or creams with lactic or salicylic acid or urea may help.
In some cases, doctors may suggest wrapping affected areas with a plastic or cellophane "bandage" after applying moisturizing agent. Such bandages should not be used on children.
Medications
In severe cases, drugs are sometimes prescribed, including:
Etretinate and isotretinoin —These medications are retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A; excess amounts of vitamin A can be harmful.
Antibiotics (if the skin becomes infected)
Disinfecting soaps (eg, chlorhexidine)
Comment Reply
Hello Tauseef
Thank you for writing.
For the benefit of all our readers, ichthyosis vulgaris is an inherited skin disorder in which dead skin cells accumulate in thick, dry scales on your skin's surface. The scales of ichthyosis vulgaris, sometimes called fish scale disease or fish skin disease, can be present at birth, but usually first appear during early childhood.
Inherited ichthyosis is caused by a genetic defect that is passed from parent to child or that occurs spontaneously.
Acquired ichthyosis is relatively rare but may be caused by any of the following:
Leprosy (extremely rare in the US)
Underactive thyroid
Lymphoma ( Hodgkin's , Non-Hodgkin's )
Sarcoidosis
AIDS
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for ichthyosis include:
Family member with ichthyosis
Cold weather
Frequent or prolonged bathing, especially in hot water
Harsh soaps or detergents
Soaps or lotions containing certain scents or perfumes
Since there is no cure for ichthyosis, treatment consists of managing the symptoms. Most treatment is aimed at keeping the skin moist. In severe cases, medication may be prescribed. For the acquired form, treatment that lessens the severity of the underlying noninherited condition may also help lessen the symptoms of the associated ichthyosis.
Moisturizing Skin
Many types of moisturizing ointments, lotions, and creams are used to lessen or alleviate symptoms of ichthyosis. These include:
Petroleum jelly
Mineral oil
Creams, lotions, and ointments containing vitamin A
A large variety of nonprescription, unscented moisturizers
For ichthyosis that causes scaling:
Solutions or creams with lactic or salicylic acid or urea may help.
In some cases, doctors may suggest wrapping affected areas with a plastic or cellophane "bandage" after applying moisturizing agent. Such bandages should not be used on children.
Medications
In severe cases, drugs are sometimes prescribed, including:
Etretinate and isotretinoin —These medications are retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A; excess amounts of vitamin A can be harmful.
Antibiotics (if the skin becomes infected)
Disinfecting soaps (eg, chlorhexidine)
I hope this helps.
October 30, 2017 - 1:20pmBest,
Susan
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