About ichthyosis vulgaris

What is ichthyosis vulgaris?

Ichthyosis vulgaris (ik-thee-O-sis vul-GAY-ris) 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. Sometimes, mild cases of ichthyosis vulgaris go undiagnosed because they're mistaken for extremely dry skin.

Most cases of ichthyosis vulgaris are mild, but some are severe. Sometimes other skin diseases, such as the allergic skin condition eczema, are associated with ichthyosis vulgaris. No cure has been found for ichthyosis vulgaris, and treatments focus on controlling the condition.

What are the symptoms for ichthyosis vulgaris?

T symptom was found in the ichthyosis vulgaris condition

Ichthyosis vulgaris slows your skin's natural shedding process. This causes chronic, excessive buildup of the protein in the upper layer of the skin (keratin). Symptoms include:

  • Dry, scaly skin
  • Tile-like, small scales
  • Scales colored white, dirty gray or brown — with darker-colored scales typically on darker skin
  • Flaky scalp
  • Deep, painful cracks in your skin

The scales usually appear on your elbows and lower legs and may be especially thick and dark over your shins. Most cases of ichthyosis vulgaris are mild, but some can be severe. The severity of symptoms may vary widely among family members who have the condition.

Symptoms usually worsen or are more pronounced in cold, dry environments and tend to improve or even resolve in warm, humid environments.

When to see a doctor

If you suspect you or your child has ichthyosis vulgaris, talk to your family doctor or a dermatologist. He or she can diagnose the condition by examining the characteristic scales.

Also be sure to seek medical advice if the symptoms worsen or don't improve with self-care measures. You may need stronger medication to manage the condition.

What are the causes for ichthyosis vulgaris?

Ichthyosis vulgaris is commonly caused by a genetic mutation that's inherited from one or both parents. Children who inherit a defective gene from just one parent have a milder form of the disease. Those who inherit two defective genes have a more severe form of ichthyosis vulgaris. Children with the inherited form of the disorder usually have normal skin at birth, but develop scaling and roughness during the first few years of life.

If genetic abnormalities aren't responsible for ichthyosis, it's referred to as acquired ichthyosis. It's usually associated with other diseases, such as cancer, thyroid disease or HIV/AIDS.

What are the treatments for ichthyosis vulgaris?

Ichthyosis vulgaris doesn't have a known cure, so the goal of treatment is to manage the condition.

Medications

Treatments may include:

  • Exfoliating creams and ointments. Prescription creams and ointments containing alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid, help control scaling and increase skin moisture.
  • Oral medication. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin A-derived medications called retinoids to reduce the production of skin cells. Side effects from the medication may include eye and lip inflammation, bone spurs and hair loss.

    Retinoids may cause birth defects. Women considering retinoid therapy should be sure they are not pregnant before starting the medication — and use effective birth control while taking retinoids.

What are the risk factors for ichthyosis vulgaris?

Ichthyosis Vulgaris is caused by an inherited genetic flaw, a mutation that affects a large protein called filaggrin.

  • The faulty gene is inherited from one's parents and may be caused by one or more mutations in the profillagrin gene that occur early in fetal development.
  • It is autosomal dominant, which means that all that is required for the condition is a single faulty copy of the gene that codes for filaggrin.
  • Because this protein is important in maintaining the proper level of moisture in the skin, affected patients have trouble retaining water in the skin's surface layers.
  • This gene is also mutated in a considerable proportion of people with atopic dermatitis, asthma, and hay fever.
  • Because ichthyosis Vulgaris is quite uncommon (one in 250-1,000 children), only dermatologists or geneticists are most suited to detect and treat this illness.
  • Doctors frequently assume a diagnosis based solely on the appearance of the skin.
  • Other blood relations with ichthyosis might lend support to the diagnosis.
  • Light and even electron microscopy may be used to assess damaged skin with a biopsy.
  • Other kinds of ichthyosis may be mistaken for ichthyosis Vulgaris.


Symptoms
Itchy, dry skin,White, grey, or brown scales on the front of the legs, back of the arms, scalp, back, or stomach,The edges of the scales curl occasionally, making the skin feel harsh,Lines on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are extra,In severe situations, the lines may run deep, producing skin splits,Tile-like Small Scales,Flaky Scalp,Deep,Painful Cracks in skin
Conditions
Infections of the skin,Children who have the condition are more likely to develop eczema, asthma, hay fever, and hives,Dehydration, blistering, burning, rapid calorie loss, and skin allergies can all result from Ichthyosis Vulgaris
Drugs
Creams with Alpha-Beta Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic,Lactic, Salicylic Acid),Prescription-Strength Urea,Retinoid,Propylene Glycol,Isotretinoin

Is there a cure/medications for ichthyosis vulgaris?

There is an excellent chance of recovery and reduction of scales in both types of Ichthyosis Vulgaris if the self-care is regular. But it reduces with the help of visiting dermatologists.

Following methods with the consultation of specialists are helpful:

  • Reduce scales during Baths: Scales soften when soaked with water. So it can help remove the scales more painlessly.
  • Treat Skin Infection: Medications and ointments suggested are to use regularly to avoid infections due to scales.
  • Petroleum Jelly Use: Most effective ointment for reducing pain, itch, and dryness.
  • Moisturizer on damped skin: Post-bath, it is necessary to apply the cream on semi-dried skin keep dryness away the whole time.
  • Baths with Sea Salt: Adding sea salt to water reduces burning and stinging. It also reduces the itch.
  • Doctors prescribe a few medicated ointments for treating dryness and scales of skin.


Preventions:
There are a few home-care guidelines that can help a new parent in understanding the disease and treaties for the same:

  • Use of hydration gel soap and creme lotions is helpful.
  • Creams containing urea
  • OTC (Over-the-counter) Cortisone creams if the areas are itchy.
  • Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment for fast relief.


Symptoms
Itchy, dry skin,White, grey, or brown scales on the front of the legs, back of the arms, scalp, back, or stomach,The edges of the scales curl occasionally, making the skin feel harsh,Lines on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are extra,In severe situations, the lines may run deep, producing skin splits,Tile-like Small Scales,Flaky Scalp,Deep,Painful Cracks in skin
Conditions
Infections of the skin,Children who have the condition are more likely to develop eczema, asthma, hay fever, and hives,Dehydration, blistering, burning, rapid calorie loss, and skin allergies can all result from Ichthyosis Vulgaris
Drugs
Creams with Alpha-Beta Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic,Lactic, Salicylic Acid),Prescription-Strength Urea,Retinoid,Propylene Glycol,Isotretinoin

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