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Ichthyosis. Created By: Matt Maumalanga Bryce Ragatz. What are ichthyoses ?.
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Ichthyosis Created By: Matt Maumalanga Bryce Ragatz
What are ichthyoses? • Ichthyosis (pl. ichthyoses) refers to a family of genetically acquired (with one exception) skin disorders which exhibit thick, dry, scale-like patches over the body. Symptoms vary dramatically in severity; ranging from that of relatively benign, to potentially lethal.
Do I have an Ichthyosis? • It’s possible, as many as 1 in 250 people have the most common type of Ichthyosis, Ichthyosis Vulgaris (Common Ichthyosis). • In the most mild of cases, skin may simply be abnormal looking and have a greater tendency to become dry than normal skin. A severe case, (such as one with harlequin-type) may result in death. Granted, you would know as a doctor would have informed you already for severe cases. Symptoms are apparent either at birth or shortly after. The effected tissues range from the sub-cutaneous membrane to the epidermis.
Treatment of Ichthyoses • Ichthyoses may not be cured or prevented, as they are genetically acquired. However, they may be treated so as to alleviate symptoms. The use of moisturizing creams may help to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent over-drying of the skin.
Images • An illustration of an infant with Harlequin type. An example of the skin of a person with ichthyosis vulgaris.
Additional Pictures • An image illustrating the skin and the structure of the epidermis in an individual with a notably severe case of ichthyosis hystrix.
Sources • http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1198130-overview • http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ichthyosis-vulgaris/DS00734 • http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/harlequin-ichthyosis • http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ichthyosis-10777