Ichthyosis - Information on Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis Information

Ichthyosis is a family of dermatological conditions. People with ichthyosis have scaly skin which can vaguely resemble the scales of a fish. Acquired ichthyosis is not inherited and occurs for the first time in adulthood. It is usually associated with some general systemic disease, such as underactive thyroid states, sarcoidosis, lymphoma, generalised cancer or HIV infection. It may be provoked by certain medications (such as nicotinic acid and hydroxyurea). Ichthyosis occurs regardless of the part of the world the child is from, or the ethnic background of the parents. Inheritance is autosomal dominant i.e. it is passed from a parent to about half their children. Signs and symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris usually become apparent within the first year of life. Some of the main forms of inherited ichthyosis include lamellar ichthyosis, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, and X-linked ichthyosis. Both inherited and acquired ichthyoses affect males and females equally. It is not contagious disease.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Ichthyosis.

Causes of Ichthyosis

The cause of the Ichthyosis is unknown.

Treatment of Ichthyosis

Methods For Treating Ichthyosis are :

1) Apply lotions and creams to wet skin to trap in the moisture (within 3 minutes of showering/bathing)

2) Rub gently a pumice stone on wet skin to help remove thickened crusty skin

3) Brush washed hair to remove scales from scalp

4) Lanolin creams and products containing urea, lactic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids may help to exfoliate and moisturise skin. 5)In severe cases they may prescribe oral retinoids such as acitretin or isotretinoin