what are the signs of ichthyosis?
dry, scaly skin; small, tile-like scales and slow hair growth are symptoms of this surprisingly common condition.
3 minute read
there is no cure for ichthyosis, but lotions can help reduce itchiness. getty
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ichthyosis, characterized by dry, scaly skin; small, tile-like scales and slow hair growth, is an umbrella term for more than 20 subtypes of a genetic disorder. this condition can cause the surface of the skin to thicken and is the result of the accumulation of keratin proteins in the epidermal (or top) layer of the skin, either from a reduction in the skin’s ability to shed or an abnormal production of proteins.
symptoms of ichthyosis, according to the canadian patient skin alliance, range from barely noticeable to severe and often grow worse in cold, dry environments and improve or dissipate in warmer, humid weather. there is currently no cure for ichthyosis and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and making life more comfortable for patients.
dry skin, small scales and slow hair growth: symptoms of ichthyosis
although signs of this condition can vary in severity and complexity depending on subtype, the most common symptoms include:
- dry, scaly skin
- small, tile-like scales that appear white, brown or grey in colour
- flaky scalp
- slow hair growth or hair loss on the scalp
- peeling, tight or itchy skin
- dehydration
- blisters or skin infections
- blocked sweat glands that can result in overheating
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how is ichthyosis diagnosed?
determining the presence of ichthyosis usually involves a clinical examination by a dermatologist who can tell if the symptoms are indicative of the condition or another similar skin disorder. in some instances, genetic testing may be used to determine the specific subtype on display and ascertain its inheritance patterns to better inform patients and their families on what to expect. occasionally, a biopsy of the skin may be performed to provide a more detailed analysis.
what is the treatment for ichthyosis?
as there is no cure for ichthyosis, treatment involves addressing symptoms and making life as comfortable as possible for patients. this includes the daily application of creams and lotions that hydrate the skin and reduce itching and scaliness, reports the foundation for ichthyosis & related skin types. sometimes, stronger oral medications may be prescribed to reduce the production of skin cells but these drugs can have side-effects that should be discussed with a health professional before use.
there are also a number of lifestyle and home remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of ichthyosis, according to the mayo clinic. these include:
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- long soaks in the tub — a pumice stone or rough-textured sponge can help remove scaly skin
- patting dry with a towel — this helps skin maintain moisture
- moisturizing while still damp — chemicals that help keep skin moist, such as propylene glycol, are a good option
- using a humidifier — keeps air in your home moist
how is ichthyosis prevented?
while there is no way to prevent this genetic skin disorder, moisturizing and exfoliating daily can help with dryness and the buildup of skin cells and make symptoms more manageable.
how many people have ichthyosis?
it is difficult to determine the rate of ichthyosis in the general population because many cases of the disorder go undiagnosed as they are mistaken for dry skin or another issue. it is estimated that ichthyosis vulgaris, the mildest and most common form of the inherited condition, affects around one in 250 people. moderate to severe versions of the disorder are rarer and thought to affect around five to 10 out of every 100,000 people.
support for ichthyosis
for more information on what can be a difficult condition with visible symptoms, please visit the canadian skin patient alliance or the foundation for ichthyosis & related skin types. there is also a patient support group on facebook where you may be able to find other people who are experiencing similar struggles.
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dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.
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