Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis can look like many other skin diseases, exhibiting patches that are scaly and red on the surface of the skin. In order to diagnose the disease properly and identify which type afflicts a specific patient, the doctor may look at what genetic mutations exist, they may analyze inheritance patterns, and they may look at the symptoms and when those symptoms appeared. Typically, for people with no irritated skin, the skin cells die and new skin cells are grown. However, for people with ichthyosis, the regular growth and shedding cycle is disturbed, and instead, the skin cells are grown at a faster rate than they die, they are grown at a normal rate but die slowly, or they die quicker than they can grow.

Severity

The disease’s severity can range widely and some forms of the disease may affect internal organs as well.

Affected Demographic

With over thirty different types, ichthyosis affects countless people each year. Ichthyosis vulgaris, which accounts for 95% of the disease occurrences, affects one out of every three hundred people yearly in the United States, rendering the disease quite common.

Treatment

Though there is no exact cure for ichthyosis, it certainly can be treated. Afflicted patients can use creams and lotions to keep their skin hydrated. Additionally, they can take prolonged baths to make their skin softer, which can help with their disease. Moreover, topical or oral steroids and ointments can be helpful. However, these medications should only be used when prescribed by a doctor in order to ensure safe usage. In these manners, the ill effects of ichthyosis can be combated.

Sources

1. “Ichthyosis.” National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 21 June 2024, www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ichthyosis#:~:text=Ichthyosis%20refers%20to%20a%20group,affect%20internal%20organs%20as%20well.

2. “Ichthyosis Vulgaris: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery.” Cleveland Clinic, 1 May 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21069-ichthyosis-vulgaris.

3. “Ichthyosis Care: Eczema: Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types(FIRST).” First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/eczema-and-ichthyosis.