Overview
Ichthyosis vulgaris, sometimes known as fish scale disease or common ichthyosis, is a skin disorder in which the skin accumulates much faster than usual, causing thick, dry scales. The scaly skin tends to build up on places where the skin doesn't rub against itself, so it is usually worse on the legs, arms, and back and less severe on the creases of the groin and armpits. Though the scaly skin itself is usually not life threatening, it is a difficult disorder to live with because it requires daily upkeep (bathing and applying lotions) to keep the scales under control.
There are many kinds of ichthyosis, but ichthyosis vulgaris is the most common. Most types are passed down in families (hereditary) and appear first in childhood, though, very rarely, can be acquired later in life through certain exposures. Ichthyosis is not contagious.
