This image displays the "dirty" appearance typical of ichthyosis vulgaris from retained scales. This image displays the contrast between the dry, shiny skin of a person with ichthyosis (left) and the skin of an unaffected person's hand (right). This image displays a close-up of a fine, fish-like scale. Ichthyosis vulgaris ("fish skin") results in severe dryness of the skin causing flaking and scaling, as displayed in this image. This image displays Ichthyosis Vulgaris, which often runs in families.
Share |

Scaly Skin (Ichthyosis Vulgaris)  Information for adults

Picture of Scaly Skin (Ichthyosis Vulgaris): This image displays the "dirty" appearance typical of ichthyosis vulgaris from retained scales. Divider line
This image displays the "dirty" appearance typical of ichthyosis vulgaris from retained scales.
left arrow
right arrow
Who's At Risk
Ichthyosis vulgaris is found in people of all races and of both sexes. Hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris is fairly common. As many as 1 in 250 children may have hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris. On the other hand, acquired ichthyosis vulgaris is rare and is found almost exclusively in adults.

In hereditary ichthyosis, usually at least one of the affected person's parents had the same dry, scaly skin as a child. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, meaning that each child of an affected parent has a 50-50 chance of having hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris.
Prev: Overview | Signs and Symptoms Next:
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
skinmatters blog, skin health and skin care advice from experts
skin condition finder, over 170 skin conditions and thousands of medical pictures
ask the doctor, skin care questions from visitors, responses from experts