Scaly Skin (Ichthyosis Vulgaris)
51754 34 Information forImages of Ichthyosis Vulgaris
Overview
Ichthyosis vulgaris, also known as common ichthyosis or fish scale disease, is a skin condition resulting in scaly skin, especially on the arms and legs. Its name is derived from the Greek word meaning "fish."
Ichthyosis vulgaris can be a trait passed on in families (hereditary), or it may develop later in life as a result of certain exposures (acquired). The hereditary type, also called congenital ichthyosis vulgaris, first appears in early childhood and accounts for more than 95% of cases of ichthyosis vulgaris. The acquired type usually develops in adulthood and results from an internal disease or the use of certain medications.
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.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for ichthyosis vulgaris include:
- Fronts (extensor surfaces) of the legs
- Backs (extensor surfaces) of the arms
- Scalp
- Back
- Forehead and cheeks, especially in younger children
The following areas tend to NOT be affected:
- Face
- Front of the neck
- Abdomen
- Folds in front of the elbows (flexural surfaces of the arms)
- Folds behind the knees (flexural surfaces of the legs)
- Poor nutrition
- Infections, such as leprosy or HIV/AIDS
- Glandular diseases, such as thyroid or parathyroid problems
- Sarcoidosis
- Cancer, such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma
- Use of certain medications, such as nicotinic acid, cimetidine, and clofazimine
Self-Care Guidelines
Hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris tends to improve after puberty, while acquired ichthyosis vulgaris requires treatment of the medical condition before it will improve.
However, both conditions should improve by restoring moisture (hydration) to the skin. Creams and ointments are better moisturizers than lotions, and they work best when applied just after bathing, while the skin is still moist. The following over-the-counter products may be helpful:
- Preparations containing alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid
- Creams containing urea
- Over-the-counter cortisone cream (if the areas are itchy)
When to Seek Medical Care
If your child continues to have very dry, scaly skin despite twice daily application of an over-the-counter moisturizer, be sure to tell his/her pediatrician.
Any adult who develops dry, scaly skin that is not improved by twice daily application of an over-the-counter moisturizer should see a physician for evaluation.
Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
To treat the dry, scaly skin of ichthyosis vulgaris, the physician may recommend a topical cream or lotion containing the following:
- Prescription-strength alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid)
- Prescription-strength urea
- A retinoid medication such as tretinoin or tazarotene
- High concentrations of propylene glycol
- Isotretinoin, a very strong medication with many potential side effects, usually used in the treatment of severe, scarring acne
If acquired ichthyosis vulgaris is suspected, the doctor will likely attempt to determine the underlying medical condition or the medication that triggered its development. The prognosis for an adult with acquired ichthyosis vulgaris depends upon treating the underlying medical condition or discontinuing the triggering medication.
Trusted Links
MedlinePlus: Skin ConditionsClinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Ichthyosis VulgarisReferences
Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.775-781. New York: Mosby, 2003.
Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp.486, 482, 2353. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.