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

Difficulty Sweating

Some people affected by ichthyosis may not sweat normally. Although sweat glands are present, the excessively thick skin prevents sweat from reaching the surface. If sweat doesn't reach the skin's surface, it can't cool the body by evaporating into the air.²‘Ichthyosis Care: Overheating: Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (FIRST).’ First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/overheating

Ineffective sweating may increase a person's risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This may be mitigated to some extent by wearing loose cotton clothing to let skin breathe and using a washcloth soaked in water to cool it down as necessary.²‘Ichthyosis Care: Overheating: Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (FIRST).’ First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/overheating

Fungal Infection

Ichthyosis may increase the risk of fungal infections such as ringworm or tinea corporis. Both types of fungus are known as dermatophytes that feed on keratin, a protein within skin cells. Ichthyosis may increase the amount of keratin present in skin cells.³Freitas, 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

The resulting dry, rough skin buildup can also flake off continuously, and these dead skin flakes provide a food source for the fungi. Ichthyosis may also lead to openings in the skin barrier and weakened immunity that can help dermatophytes thrive.³Freitas, 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

Other Skin Infections

Skin helps protect the body from harmful microorganisms and damaging elements in the general environment. However, dry, scaly skin associated with ichthyosis can develop deep cracks and sores.³Freitas, 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

In addition to fungi, bacteria and other harmful pathogens can then enter through these openings and cause an infection. It's important to keep skin moisturized and healthy, but this may be difficult with ichthyosis. A skin care routine may need to include moisturizers, emollients and exfoliators to help minimize dryness.³Freitas, 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

Joints

Harlequin ichthyosis, or HI, is a rare type of the disorder that affects the skin and joints. In addition to thick, scaly and rough skin, HI may also cause painful and inflamed joints, especially in the elbows, fingers, shoulders and wrists.⁴Raghuvanshi, 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

Contractures can occur when joints, muscles or tendons shorten and become locked in a deformed position. The thick, rough skin can tighten around the joints, while joint pain can discourage movement. A combination of these two factors may lead to joint immobility.⁴Raghuvanshi, 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

Itching

Itching can be a sporadic or constant symptom of ichthyosis. Built-up dry skin scales may clog sweat glands. Trapped sweat can irritate the skin and trigger itchiness and redness. It can even cause small blisters in some cases.⁵‘Ichthyosis Care: Itching: Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (FIRST).’ First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/itching

These symptoms may worsen in hot, humid weather. Unfortunately, scratching to relieve itchiness may cause more thickening of the skin and an increased risk of infection. Oatmeal baths may soothe itchiness, and medications containing alpha hydroxy acids or urea may help exfoliate to reduce scaling.⁵‘Ichthyosis Care: Itching: Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (FIRST).’ First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/itching

Eye Problems

People with ichthyosis may develop dry eyes. The cornea may be scratched or infected without adequate lubrication. Sometimes, ichthyosis causes a condition called eyelid ectropion.⁶‘Eye Management in Ichthyosis.’ Ichthyosis Support Group - People Who Care about Ichthyosis, www.ichthyosis.org.uk/faqs/eye-management-in-ichthyosis

Ectropion refers to an eyelid turned outward and pulled down by tight skin. The eyelid may not close completely while blinking or sleeping. Any problems with the eyes are serious and may harm vision. A surgical procedure may fix ectropion of the eyelid, while lubricating drops, emollients and eye massage may be recommended to manage dryness symptoms.⁶‘Eye Management in Ichthyosis.’ Ichthyosis Support Group - People Who Care about Ichthyosis, www.ichthyosis.org.uk/faqs/eye-management-in-ichthyosis

Hair Loss

In some cases, ichthyosis can cause a buildup of thickened, scaly skin on the scalp. Scaling can block follicles and hinder hair growth or foster ingrown hairs and infections. It may be hard to remove thick scaling from the scalp without removing the hair as well.⁷‘Keratosis Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans.’ NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 3 July 2019, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ichthyosis-keratosis-follicularis-spinulosa-decalvans/

A type of ichthyosis called keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans, or KFSD, can cause hardening and scarring of the skin around hair follicles. KFSD may result in partial or complete baldness and loss of hair in the eyebrows.⁷‘Keratosis Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans.’ NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 3 July 2019, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ichthyosis-keratosis-follicularis-spinulosa-decalvans/

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition characterized by small bumps on the arms, legs, back and buttocks. It can occur simultaneously with ichthyosis if thick, dry skin blocks the pores. The bumps may be red, white or brown, and their small size inspired the nickname of chicken skin.⁸‘Keratosis Pilaris: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17758-keratosis-pilaris

Most cases of keratosis pilaris aren't problematic, but recommended interventions are similar to management methods for ichthyosis, such as using moisturizing lotions, a loofah and medicated creams containing alpha hydroxy acid or urea.⁸‘Keratosis Pilaris: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17758-keratosis-pilaris

Hearing Loss

Skin inside the ears goes through the same self-renewal process as skin elsewhere on the body. Excessive skin cell shedding due to ichthyosis can result in significant amounts of flakes inside the ears.⁹‘Caring for Ears of Child with Ichthyosis.’ First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/ear-care

These skin flakes can combine with ear wax and form a sticky, semisolid material that interferes with hearing. The material may have a foul odor, trigger itching and discomfort or lead to an infection. A person should consult a doctor about removing this material from the ear canal.⁹‘Caring for Ears of Child with Ichthyosis.’ First Skin Foundation, www.firstskinfoundation.org/ear-care