Skin Conditions
Ichthyosis
Facts About Ichthyosis
Ichthyosis is a rare genetic disorder that results in a scaly appearance of the skin. It ranges from very mild to more obvious forms. It is not contagious, nor is there a cure for this disease. In more severe cases, skin builds up in thick scale-like patches and then sheds off.
Ichthyosis Challenges
- For many children, this condition is apparent at birth, while others develop it within the first four years of life. Cold weather can lead to more severe flair-ups. This type of skin disorder causes pain with movement due to tautness of the skin, bleeding, cracking, and infection.
Ichthyosis Treatment
- This condition is usually treated within the home. Warm (never hot) baths followed with a generous application of moisturizers containing lactic acid or creams with salicylic acid are most effective in treating Ichthyosis.
- A physician can prescribe special lotions that will help decrease the scaly build-up.
