What is Ichthyosis Vulgaris?
Ichthyosis is a skin disease with more than 20 variants. Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most common and mildest form of ichthyosis. 95 percent of those who have some form of ichthyosis have ichthyosis vulgaris.
The main feature of ichthyosis vulgaris is dry, thick, scaly skin. The disease can begin in childhood, often in the first year of life.Adults can also develop the disease.
Ichthyosis vulgaris is fairly common, affecting one in 250-300 people (males and females and all races).
Ichthyosis vulgaris is characterized by excessively dry and scaly skin. It is the most common form of hereditary ichthyosis. The name "ichthyosis" derives from the Greek root "ichthy" meaning fish, from which ichthyosis vulgaris owes its other names, "fish scale disease" or "fish skin disease"; “vulgaris” means common.Ichthyosis vulgaris can be hereditary or acquired. This page focuses on the most commonly inherited form.
Explanation of medical terms and concept Ichthyosis vulgaris
Ichthyosis vulgaris (ik-thee-O-sis vul-GAY-ris) is associate familial skin condition during which dead skin cells accumulate in thick, dry scales on your skin' surface.
The scales of congenital disease vulgaris, typically referred to as scale disease or fish skin disease, may be a gift at birth, however sometimes 1st seem throughout early childhood. Typically, gentle cases of ichthyosis vulgaris go unknown as a result of they're mistaken for terribly dry skin.
Most cases of ichthyosis vulgaris are mild, but some are severe. Sometimes alternative skin diseases, akin to the allergic skin condition eczema, are related to ichthyosis vulgaris. No cure has been found for ichthyosis vulgaris, and coverings specialize in dominant the condition.
The most common symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris are scaling and dryness usually seen as light brown scales on the face upper arms legs and trunk The scales are rough to the touch They tend to be thicker around the ears and in a band across the nose and forehead Scaling gradually improves after puberty for women but not for men People with ichthyosis vulgaris may have other symptoms such as: - Dry or itchy skin that is thickened or scaly (xerosis) - Increased sensitivity or pain when exposed to water (hyperaesthesia) heat or cold - Burning.
Ichthyosis vulgaris is a common inherited skin disorder in which the outer layer of skin is increased The thick dry layer of skin may result in painful cracks that ooze fluid and heal slowly according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Ichthyosis vulgaris often begins with reddish pink scales developing on the soles of the feet and spreading upward over time.
Symptoms Ichthyosis vulgaris
Ichthyosis vulgaris slows your skin' natural shedding process. This causes chronic, excessive buildup of the supermolecule within the higher layer of the skin (keratin). Symptoms include:
Dry, scaly skin
Tile-like, small scales
White, gray or brown scales, depending on skin color
Flaky scalp
Deep, painful cracks in your skin
The scales sometimes seem on your elbows and lower legs and should be particularly thick and dark over your shins. Most cases of congenital disease vulgaris are mild, however this will be severe. The severity of symptoms may vary wide among members of the family who have the condition.
Symptoms usually worsen or are additionally pronounced in cold, dry environments and have a tendency to enhance or maybe resolve in warm, wet environments.Many patients don’t understand they need ichthyosis vulgaris as a result of symptoms that can be so mild. They merely believe their skin is dry, so that they apply moisturizer, which might cut back scaling.
Congenital disease vulgaris tends to be worse throughout the winter, once cold and dry air will cause symptoms. Within the summer, the disease can just about disappear thanks to the warm, damp air.
generally patients notice ichthyosis vulgaris symptoms before they're diagnosed with additional serious diseases. On the opposite hand, ichthyosis vulgaris symptoms someday seem years when patients are diagnosed with more serious conditions.
When to see a doctor
If you believe you or your kid has inherited disease vulgaris, check with from|visit|consult with|refer to|talk over with|sit down with} your general practitioner or a dermatologist. He or she will be able to diagnose the condition by examining the characteristic scales.
even be absolute to get medical advice if the symptoms worsen or don't improve with self-care measures. you'll want stronger medication to manage the condition.
Causes Ichthyosis vulgaris
Ichthyosis vulgaris is most frequently caused by one’s factors (inherited). However, some patients could “acquire” ichthyosis vulgaris thanks to a medical malady or in response to a medication.
In ichthyosis vulgaris, skin cells reproduce at a standard rate, however they don’t separate at the skin’s surface, as they unremarkably do. Also, dead skin cells don’t shed quickly enough, inflicting a buildup of scales.
genetic defect vulgaris in youngsters is typically caused by a gene for the disease that's hereditary from one or each parent. This is often referred to as inherited ichthyosis vulgaris. Oldsters don’t have to have the illness to pass the factor onto their children. a baby who has hereditary the genetic defect vulgaris gene includes a fifty % likelihood of developing the condition.
Another potential explanation for ichthyosis vulgaris may be a genetic mutation (change) within the womb. If this happens, the child’s skin lacks enough of a key supermolecule called filaggrin, that helps the body produce the outermost layer of skin and shed dead skin cells.
In adults, the disease is named non heritable ichthyosis vulgaris, and might be caused by different diseases, as well as urinary organ failure, cancers, sarcoidosis, leprosy, and human immunological disorder virus (HIV). On rare occasions, it will be caused by a medication, corresponding to histamine blocker (Tagamet®), that treats ulcers and acid reflux, and clofazimine (Lamprene®) which treats Hansen's disease – or by a vitamin, like B-complex vitamin (a B vitamin).Ichthyosis vulgaris is usually caused by a mutation that' hereditary from one or each parents. youngsters who inherit a defective factor from only 1 parent have a milder style of the disease. Those that inherit 2 defective genes have a lot of severe forms of genetic defect vulgaris. youngsters with the inherited form of the disorder usually have traditional skin at birth, however develop scaling and roughness throughout the primary few years of life.
If genetic abnormalities aren't accountable for ichthyosis, it's mentioned as non heritable ichthyosis. It' typically related to different illnesses, corresponding to cancer, thyroid disease or HIV/AIDS.
Complications
Some people with ichthyosis may experience:
Overheating. In rare cases, the skin thickness and scales of hereditary disease can interfere with sweating. This may inhibit cooling. In some people, excess sweating (hyperhidrosis) can occur.
Secondary infection. Skin splitting and cracking may lead to infections.
Diagnosis Ichthyosis vulgaris
A doctor specializing in skin disorders, referred to as a dermatologist, will usually diagnose congenital disease vulgaris by sight. Your doctor will raise you regarding any case history of skin diseases, the age you initially seasoned symptoms, and whether or not you have got the other skin disorders. Your doctor also will record wherever the patches of dry skin appear. This may facilitate your doctor tracking the effectiveness of your treatment. Your doctor can also perform other tests, admire a biopsy or skin biopsy. This may rule out other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, that cause similar symptoms. A skin diagnostic assay involves removing atiny low section of the affected skin for examination below a microscope.A doctor will usually build an identification by examining the affected skin and therefore the characteristic scales. He or she may perform alternative tests, admire a skin biopsy. This might be necessary to rule out other causes of dry, scaly skin.
Treatment Ichthyosis vulgaris
Ichthyosis vulgaris doesn't have a known cure, the goal of treatment is to manage the condition.
Medications
Treatments may include:
Exfoliating creams and ointments. Prescription creams and ointments containing alpha chemical group acids, resembling carboxylic acid and glycolic acid, facilitate management scaling and increase skin moisture.
Oral medication. Your doctor could bring down alimentation A-derived medications known as retinoids to cut back the assembly of skin cells. aspect effects from the medication may embody eye and lip inflammation, bone spurs and hair loss. Retinoids may cause birth defects. girls considering retinoid medical aid ought to make certain they're not pregnant before beginning the medication — and use effective contraception whereas taking retinoids.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Self-help measures might facilitate improving the looks and feel of broken skin. contemplate these suggestions:
Take long soaking baths to soften the skin. Use mild soap. Rub dampened skin lightly with a rough-textured sponge (loofa) or a pumice stone to help remove the scales.
After showering or bathing, gently pat or blot the skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.
Apply moisturizer or lubricating cream while the skin is still moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer with urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep skin moist. Petroleum jelly is another good choice.
Apply an over-the-counter product that contains urea, lactic acid or a low concentration of salicylic acid twice daily. Mild acidic compounds help skin shed its dead skin cells. Urea helps bind moisture to skin.
Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.
Preparing for your appointment
If the appointment is for your kid, you're seemingly beginning by seeing your child' pediatrician. If the appointment is for you, you're likely to start by seeing your medical care doctor. He or she could refer you or your child to a specialist in skin conditions (dermatologist). Here's some info to assist you brace yourself for the appointment.
What you can do
Before your appointment make a list of:
Any symptoms your child or you are experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
All medications, vitamins or supplements your child or you are taking.
Questions to ask your doctor.
For ichthyosis vulgaris, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Are there other possible causes?
What kinds of tests will I or my child need?
Is the condition likely temporary or long lasting?
What treatments are available and which do you recommend?
Do you have any brochures or other printed materials I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
When did the symptoms first appear?
Are the symptoms constant or do they come and go?
Does anything help improve the symptoms?
What, if anything, makes the symptoms worse?
Does anyone in your family have similar skin changes?
What you can do in the meantime
To help soothe affected skin:
Wash only with mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Avoid strongly scented and antibacterial soaps, which may be too harsh on dry skin.
Apply moisturizer or lubricating cream while the skin continues to be wet from bathing. opt for a moisturizer adore petrolatum or one that contains organic compound or humectant — chemicals that facilitate keeping skin moist.
General summary
Can ichthyosis be treated?
With proper care children with ichthyosis usually have an acceptable quality of life Treatments can help manage symptoms and improve the appearance of skin For mild forms of ichthyosis that do not cause a significant impact on the child's quality of life however there are currently no treatments available to make the disease go away completely Thus some people with more severe forms will require a long-term commitment to medical treatment.
How do you treat ichthyosis vulgaris naturally?
There are several natural ways to treat ichthyosis vulgaris These include: Wearing light clothing - The affected area of your skin is more sensitive to the environment as well as other things such as fabric and even air conditioning so wearing cool and comfortable clothes will help minimize irritation Also make sure to change clothes frequently especially after sweating or being exposed in dirty environments such as a swimming pool or ocean.
Does ichthyosis get worse with age?
Ichthyosis causes a person's skin to become rough and scaly The scales often appear thicker and darker as a person ages but this is not true for all types of ichthyosis In some cases the condition improves with age or goes away on its own when the child reaches adulthood The most common type of ichthyosis usually worsens over time and requires treatment.
How long is the average lifespan of a person with ichthyosis?
While the exact lifespan of an individual with ichthyosis varies, people with this condition generally have normal life expectancies. A person living with ichthyosis may experience a shortened lifespan due to complications from their skin disorder and secondary health issues such as infections and malnutrition.
Is ichthyosis an autoimmune disease?
Ichthyosis is a disorder of keratinization the production of a layer of protein called keratin A person with ichthyosis has an abnormal buildup of dead cells on his or her skin This build-up tends to occur more frequently at body bends and creases as well as in areas where there is friction such as elbows and knees For this reason ichthyosis is also called "basket weave" because it looks similar to a fish's scales The most common form of ichthyosis is called lamellar ichthyosis because its symptoms are caused by the.
What medications cause ichthyosis vulgaris?
Ichthyosis vulgaris is caused by four medications: tetracycline minocycline dicloxacillin and erythromycin These medications interact with different proteins that help cells communicate with each other and pump fluid in the skin When these medications are taken for long periods of time it can disrupt skin cell communication and cause dryness.
What disease causes ichthyosis vulgaris?
Ichthyosis is a group of genetic skin disorders that causes dry scaly skin The most common type of ichthyosis in the United States is called ichthyosis vulgaris or simply "fish scale disease." Ichthyosis produces thick and hardened scales on the skin These scales usually appear on the forearms and legs although they can be found throughout the body The exact cause of ichthyosis vulgaris is unknown Researchers believe that it's hereditary which means it's passed down through families to children There are no treatments for this disorder available but there are ways to manage symptoms.