Ichthyosis/Ichthyosis
Vulgaris
Also
known as: ichthyosis simplex, sex-linked or
X-linked ichthyosis, fish skin disease, and xeroderma
What is
it?
Ichthyosis
is a form of severe dry skin that causes affected
areas to look like fish scales. Ichthyosis vulgaris is
an inherited form of ichthyosis.
Who gets
it?
Ichthyosis
can develop in people with certain diseases.
Ichthyosis vulgaris is present at birth.
What
causes it?
People can
develop ichthyosis as a side effect of diseases such
as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, AIDS, a thyroid
disorder, or sarcoidosis. Hereditary ichthyosis
vulgaris is transmitted to a child by a parent at
conception. This gene defect causes a problem with the
way skin cells are shed, causing a build up of dry,
dead skin on the surface. There are two types of
hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris. Dominant ichthyosis
vulgaris can be inherited by either sex. Only males
inherit X-linked ichthyosis vulgaris through a
recessive gene passed down by the mother.
What are
the symptoms?
Ichthyosis
most commonly affects the skin around the face, ears,
scalp, neck, back, and the front of the arms and legs.
The skin peels, then is replaced by thick, dark
scales, which may crack and bleed. The dark scales
make the skin look dirty. These scales may be
intensely itchy, and scratching may lead to broken
skin and infection. Symptoms of dominant ichthyosis
vulgaris usually appear between the first four years
of life. However, signs of X-linked ichthyosis
vulgaris can appear from birth to sometime within the
first several months after birth. Some people notice
ichthyosis-type symptoms in the winter. This form of
mild, non-hereditary ichthyosis is called xeroderma.
How is it
diagnosed?
Ichthyosis
and ichthyosis vulgaris are diagnosed according to
their characteristic appearance. When ichthyosis
appears in adulthood, a study of the patient’s medical
history can reveal the cause and help guide the
treatment.
What is
the treatment?
Ichthyosis
and ichthyosis vulgaris are treated with lotions or
ointments to soften the skin and soothe the itching.
Special gels called keratolytics, which include
salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea, help to remove
the dry scales on the surface of the skin. The gel
also contains an agent to moisturize the skin
underneath. Your doctor may recommend applying this
medication, then covering the affected skin with a
waterproof dressing to help the gel penetrate. It is
important to treat cracks in the skin immediately with
a topical antibiotic to prevent infection. Ointments
and lotions containing vitamin A derivatives called
retinoids may also help promote new skin growth in
patients with ichthyosis.
Self-care
tips
Ichthyosis
vulgaris is a lifelong problem, but has no serious
complications when treated properly. Follow your
doctor’s treatment recommendations to avoid infection
and keep symptoms to a minimum.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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