Symptoms

Ichthyosis can develop on any part of the body, but most often occurs on the legs, arms, or trunk. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In severe cases, the condition may be disfiguring. Symptoms may include:

• Dry, flaking skin
• Scaling of skin that gives skin the appearance of fish scales
• Shedding of layers of the skin
• Itching of skin
• In severe cases, scarring and/or infection due to rubbing and scratching of scales or blisters

With certain rare types of inherited ichthyosis, symptoms:

• Appear immediately at birth
• Are extremely severe, covering the entire body
• Cause severe complications or death

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The diagnosis of ichthyosis is usually based on signs and symptoms of the disorder. Rarely, blood tests or a skin biopsy may be required.

Skin Biopsy

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