Ichthyosis vulgaris is a genetic condition that causes dry, scaly patches on the skin due to an impaired desquamation process caused by the accumulation of proteins. It is diagnosed through a physical exam and can be managed with prescription topical medications and proactive home care. Complications include bacterial infection and lack of sweating.
Ichthyosis vulgaris is a congenital condition characterized by an alteration of the desquamation process that allows the formation of dry patches on the skin. Caused by the accumulation of proteins in the skin, ichthyosis vulgaris has sometimes been referred to as fish scale disease due to the patterned scales that can develop. In the absence of a cure, treatment for ichthyosis vulgaris focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Normally, humans shed well over a million dead skin cells in any given day, a process known as desquamation. For individuals with ichthyosis, their elimination process is impaired due to excessive accumulation of proteins in the uppermost layers of the skin. Resulting from a genetic mutation, the protein keratin accumulates in the upper layers of the dermis, inhibiting the skin’s ability to shed dead cells and eventually causing the affected skin to peel.
Born from a nonsex chromosome, a child who receives the mutated gene from a carrier parent has a 50/50 chance of inheriting ichthyosis vulgaris. Skin symptoms are rarely present at birth. In most cases, the signs and symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris emerge during early childhood. As the child matures, his or her symptoms may lessen and go into remission until later in adulthood.
Once symptoms are present, a diagnosis of ichthyosis vulgaris can be confirmed with a thorough consultation and physical exam by a qualified healthcare professional. Educated to recognize and understand the epidemiology of this form of ichthyosis, a physician will usually make a diagnosis without further diagnostic testing. In situations where a secondary condition is suspected, additional laboratory tests, such as a skin biopsy, may be done.
The severity and significance of one’s signs and symptoms is entirely up to the individual. The most common sign associated with this autosomal dominant condition is flaky, dry skin that adopts a scaly pattern. Many people often experience pigment discoloration in the affected area, such as brown or gray patches. Individuals with this condition are considered to be at higher risk for complications, including secondary bacterial infection and anhidrosis, a lack of sweating.
Treatment for ichthyosis vulgaris involves controlling your symptoms. Prescription topical medications are typically used to reduce skin dryness and irritation. Restoring moisture to the affected area helps relieve scaling of the skin. Severe presentations of ichthyosis vulgaris may require the use of additional oral medications designed to inhibit the generation of new skin cells. Individuals are encouraged to discuss additional proactive home care options with their physician that may help relieve symptoms, including bathing recommendations and how to choose the right soap and moisturizers.
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