What Is Ichthyosis?
3. Inherited Ichthyosis
Some types of ichthyosis are inherited and are the result of unwelcome mutations to genes. In some cases the patient’s parents have the gene, which is then passed on when the child is conceived. At other times, neither parent will have the gene responsible, but the mutation takes place randomly in the egg or sperm, and/or at the point of conception.
In this instance, the genes affected are those that influence the production of certain proteins. These proteins will usually help to protect your skin, keeping it moisturized and soft. The same genes are also responsible for influencing the shedding and production of new skin cells.
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