Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is the term for severe, incessant problems due to an abnormality of the outermost part of the skin, the epidermis. The conditions are caused by genetic abnormalities. The term ichthyosis is occassionally used to mean the specific condition ichthyosis vulgaris. Ichthyosis causes the skin to build up and scale, causing it to be excessively dry, amongst other problems.

Ichthyosis scaling can be very painful, can confine the body's range of movement, cause deep cracks or fissures at the joints, and affect hearing. Ichthyosis almost begins in childhood or infancy, or may develop later.

The other main forms of inherited ichthyosis involve lamellar ichthyosis, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, and X-linked ichthyosis. Procured ichthyosis is not inherited and occurs for the first time in adulthood. It is usually related with some general systemic disease, such as underactive thyroid states, sarcoidosis, lymphoma, generalised cancer or HIV infection. Each of the major types of Ichthyosis will be disputed briefly, followed by an outline of the management.

Ichthyosis is usually not a life threatening or debilitating disease, nonetheless, there is no cure and treatment must be administered continuously. Symptoms are generally worse in winter months and in dry climates, as warmth and humidity improve these symptoms. There are numerous different types of ichthyosis. Many types of ichthyosis are found at birth, and are life-long. Most people who have ichthyosis vulgaris also have allergic problems, such as allergic nasal congestion, asthma or eczema.

People having ichthyosis require to bathe, moisturise and exfoliate their skin on a daily regular basis. Treatments for ichthyosis commonly take the form of topical application of creams and oils, in an attempt to hydrate the skin. Retinoids are also used for some conditions. Exposure to sunlight may improve or hamper the condition. There can be ocular embodiments of ichthyosis, such as corneal and ocular surface diseases.

Causes of Ichthyosis

Inherited forms of ichthyosis occur as a consequence of a genetic mutation. The mutated gene is transferred on from one generation to the next. Although, within a family there may only be one person affected. This can happen if the gene is recedevely inherited. The condition is generally more noticeable in the winter. It may be associated with atopic dermatitis, keratosis pilaris (small bumps on the back of the arms), or other skin disorders.

Common causes and risk factors of Ichthyosis:

Family member with ichthyosis
Certain soaps or lotions.
Frequent or prolonged bathing, especially in hot water.
Cold weather.
Use of harsh soaps or detergents.

Signs and Symptoms of Ichthyosis

Depending on the form of gene abnormality which causes ichthyosis, the skin can show various patterns of flaking. Children having hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris generally develop symptoms by the age of 5 years and the first signs and symptoms typically start during the first year of life. The scales can vary from tiny and white, to thick, brown and plate-like. Manifestations are usually worse in winter months and in dry climates, as warmth and humidity improve these symptoms. Most people who have ichthyosis vulgaris also have allergic complications, such as allergic nasal congestion, asthma or eczema.

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

Scaling and flaking skin.
Shedding of layers of the skin.
Mild itching of the skin.
Hearing difficulties.
Allergic problems, such as allergic nasal congestion, asthma or eczema.

Treatment for Ichthyosis

Treatments for ichthyosis usually take the form of topical application of creams and oils, in an endeavor to hydrate the skin. People having ichthyosis desire to bathe, moisturise and exfoliate their skin on a daily regular basis. Your dermatologist may suggest or recommend moisturising creams and ointments to keep the condition under control. Retinoids are also used for some modes. If the ichthyosis results to scratching which causes skin infections, or if body odor is a major complication, antibiotics may be needed from time to time.

Treatment may include:

Use of moisture retaining creams or ointments such as Petrolatum, lanolin or urea-containing preparations after a bath or shower helps in maintaining the skin moisture.
If there is skin infections or if body odor, use of antibiotics time to time is useful.
Some times exposure to sunlight can improve the condition.
Retinoids are also used for some conditions.
Solutions or creams with salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids may also help in promoting shedding of skin flakes.

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