10 Ichthyosis Symptoms

By errol

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Ichthyosis.' American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, www.aocd.org/page/Ichthyosis
• 2. 'Ichthyosis Care: Overheating: Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (FIRST).' First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/overheating
• 3. Freitas, Camila Fernanda Novak Pinheiro de, et al. 'Ichthyosis Associated with Widespread Tinea Corporis: Report of Three Cases.' Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia, Sociedade Brasileira De Dermatologia, 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3760944/#B03
• 4. Raghuvanshi, Subhra, et al. '017.Harlequin Ichthyosis and Inflammatory Arthritis: Case Reports of a Very Rare Combination.' OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 20 Apr. 2015 academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/54/suppl/1/i55/1829727
• 5. 'Ichthyosis Care: Itching: Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (FIRST).' First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/itching
• 6. 'Eye Management in Ichthyosis.' Ichthyosis Support Group - People Who Care about Ichthyosis, www.ichthyosis.org.uk/faqs/eye-management-in-ichthyosis
• 7. 'Keratosis Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans.' NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 3 July 2019, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ichthyosis-keratosis-follicularis-spinulosa-decalvans/
• 8. 'Keratosis Pilaris: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17758-keratosis-pilaris
• 9. 'Caring for Ears of Child with Ichthyosis.' First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/ear-care

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Ichthyosis is a disorder characterized by dry, thick scales on the skin. Sometimes referred to as fish scale disease, the disorder gets its name from ichthys, the Greek word for fish. Approximately 20 types of ichthyosis exist, although more types may be identified in the future. Most types of ichthyosis are genetic disorders inherited at birth.¹‘Ichthyosis.’ American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, www.aocd.org/page/Ichthyosis

One genetic type, ichthyosis vulgaris, accounts for approximately 95% of diagnosed cases. Acquired types of ichthyosis usually occur during adulthood and may be associated with other medical conditions or certain medications. Symptoms of ichthyosis are very similar for all types, although some slight variations may occur.¹‘Ichthyosis.’ American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, www.aocd.org/page/Ichthyosis

Scaling

Desquamation is the self-renewing process that lets the skin's outermost surface, the stratum corneum, shed old cells. New cells, called keratinocytes, are produced and pushed outward to the skin's surface. Ichthyosis may disrupt desquamation in two ways.¹‘Ichthyosis.’ American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, www.aocd.org/page/Ichthyosis

The body may produce new skin cells up to 300 percent faster than normal. Disruption can also occur if old cells aren't shed from the skin's surface. Both types of disruption cause an accumulation of dry, rough skin that can cover large areas. Scaling usually starts on the legs and spreads to the arms, hands and trunk. Ichthyosis scales may be white, brown or red.¹‘Ichthyosis.’ American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, www.aocd.org/page/Ichthyosis