Ichthyosis Vulgaris, Congenital Abnormalities of Scales Skin

News Health Articles - Ichthyosis Vulgaris, Congenital Abnormalities of Scales Skin.
Description

Ichthyosis vulgaris, sometimes referred to as fish scale disease or fish skin disease, is a congenital skin disorder in which dead skin cells that accumulate as dry scales on the skin surface. Ichthyosis vulgaris can appear at birth, but usually first appear in early childhood. Sometimes most of ichthyosis vulgaris may disappear completely when growing up, but also can reappear. Most cases of mild ichthyosis vulgaris, but some are also severe. Sometimes other skin diseases may be associated with ichthyosis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis such as rash producing. There is no drug that can completely cure the ichthyosis vulgaris, so treatment focuses on managing the condition.



Cause

Ichthyosis vulgaris is characterized as chronic, excessive buildup of protein on the top layer of skin (keratin). Stacking is a result of natural processes that occur in the skin is slowed or inhibited. Ichthyosis vulgaris is most often caused by genetic mutations, and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that a child must inherit only one copy of the affected gene to develop the disease.

Children who inherit the disease gene usually have normal skin at birth. But later evolved into the rough during the first few years of life. Ichthyosis vulgaris may disappear when growing up, but still can reappear. Ichthyosis not caused by a genetic abnormality, referred to as acquired ichthyosis, but the type is very rare. This species usually begin to appear during adulthood. The condition is usually associated with other diseases, such as cancer, thyroid disease, or chronic renal failure.

Symptom

Severity of symptoms can vary widely among family members who have the condition. Symptoms can include:
1. Skin dry, scaly
2. Small scales, in the form of polygons
3. White scales, dirty gray, or brown. People with darker skin tend to have darker colored scales.
4. Dry skin on the scalp
5. Cracking on the palms and soles of the feet which causes pain in severe cases

Scales usually appear on the elbows and lower legs and may be very thick and dark over the shins. Most cases of mild ichthyosis vulgaris, but some can be very severe. Symptoms typically worsen or worse during cold weather. Dry environments also tend to improve symptoms.

Treatment

There is no specific cure for ichthyosis, so the goal of treatment is to manage the condition. Drugs that can be used on the condition, among others:

1. Alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid.
Treatment can include prescription creams and ointments that contain acid that help control moisture.

2. Retinoids
The doctor may prescribe a vitamin A for severe cases. Retinoids can reduce the production of skin cells. Side effects of this medication may include inflammation of the eyes and lips, bone spurs, hair loss, as well as birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Sources: MayoClinic