Ichthyosis Symptoms and Treatment

 Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis (pronounced "ick-thee-owe-sis")is a category of genetic skin diseases that cause dry, scaly, thickened skin.

 The skin serves numerous functions, including physical protection, providing a barrier to keep the skin hydrated (moisturized), protecting against infection, and assisting in to control of body temperature.

 In normal skin, new cells of skin form in the deepest layer of the skin- even as dead cells drop from the top layer. In ichthyosis, either dead cells spread too slowly, causing a buildup of the top dry layer, or new cells from the lower layers are produced quite gradually, allowing too much water can lose from the skin.

 Although there is no known cure for Ichthyosis, there are treatments that can help to improve the skin's condition.

 Ichthyosis Signs and Symptoms

Ichthyosis symptoms include thick, scaly, dry, and cracked skin. If your child is born with ichthyosis, their skin may appear normal initially, but it will gradually dry out and become scaly. Symptoms typically appear by the age of five.

 Ichthyosis can affect any part of the body, including the face and scalp; however, the bends in the arms and legs are usually unaffected. The palms and soles of the feet have thick skin.

 Most children with ichthyosis have a mild form of the disease that has little impact on their overall health and well-being.

Some children may find the condition distressing or embarrassing.

It can be very drastic in rare cases, affecting the entire skin surface or causing blisters. Repeated infections, discomfort, and sweating problems are possible in this case.

 What is the Source of Ichthyosis?

Inherited ichthyosis is usually present at birth or develops during childhood. Ichthyosis is a genetic disease that is not infectious and is not caused by infection (it cannot be caught by others).

 Acquired ichthyosis is more common in adults and can be provoked; by various conditions or medications.

 When to see a Doctor

If you are concerned about your child's skin, see a doctor. The doctor will be concerned about your child's skin and may refer you to a pediatrician or dermatologist (skin specialist). A skin biopsy (a small sample of skin taken with an anesthetic) and a genetic test (blood or saliva) may be needed for a diagnosis.

 If the skin on your child's feet is causing problems such as thickened skin, pain, and cracking, your child may require further management and treatment from a podiatrist.

 Treatment for Ichthyosis

There are different sorts of medicines employed for ichthyosis treatment.

 Keratolytics 

Keratolytics help to loosen the hierarchies on the skin and promote them to come off. They are found in skincare products that also moisturize the skin. Sadly, they can also be annoying, causing redness, stinging, itching, or discomfort. The power of the cream can be changed - if any of these symptoms appear.

 Keratolytic good examples of include:

 

Salicylic acid and lactic acid 1% creams

ammonium lactate (e.g., Lanate)

urea creams, hydroxy acid creams (e.g., NeoStrata) (e.g., Urederm, Eulactol, Calmurid).

 Retinoids

In severe cases of ichthyosis, a retinoid (e.g., Neotigason) can be beneficial in removing the scale, skin irritation, and itch.

 High vitamin A doses can cause dry eyes, lips, and nose. Nasal bleeds, headaches, nausea, and high blood cholesterol are some of the additional side effects. High doses of vitamin A can lead to birthmarks if taken during pregnancy.

 Dermatologists can only prescribe retinoids, which must be closely monitored - with regular health checks and blood tests.

 At-Home Care

If your child has ichthyosis, you may need to spend time caring for their skin every day.

 

●       Creams assist in enhancing the condition of dryness by replacing lost moisture and retaining it in the skin. They must be used regularly, especially after showering or bathing. Moisturizers such as QV cream, Atoderm crème, Kenkay cream, Dermeze, sorbolene, and glycerine seem to be examples.

●       Instead of soap, which can further dry out the skin, use a soap replacement, such as oils and cleans (e.g., Hamilton's bath oil, QV bath oil, Dermaveen shower, etc.), and bath oil, Hamilton wash, QV wash).

●       If your child's baths contain bleach (along with the bath oil or wash), this can assist in decreasing microbes on the skin and prevent further infections. For more information, see our fact sheet Skin infections - bleach baths.

●       Shampoos usually contain salicylic acid or tar can help to reduce scaling and relieve itching on the scalp (e.g., NeoCeutical shampoo and Ducray Kertyol shampoo). Brush the hair after washing to remove scales from the scalp.

 Children and their families can be distressed by ichthyosis. Children with the disorder may experience low self-esteem, teasing, or bullying. Meeting other young people in the same situation can be beneficial (for more information, see the section below).

Follow-Up

Consult your doctor if your child's skin suddenly becomes painful, cracked, oozing/weeping/crusting. Your doctor may specify antibiotics to Ichtyosis cure any skin disease.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your child's treatment. If your child is on oral antibiotics, remember to have periodic blood tests done.

Essential Points to Remember

An ichthyosis is a group of genetic skin diseases recognized by dry, scaly, thickened skin.

It is usually present at birth or develops later in life.

Most children with ichthyosis have a mild form of the disease that has little impact on their overall health and well-being. Ichthyosis can be severe in some children, affecting the entire skin surface or causing blisters.

Treatment may include medications as well as proper skin care.

If your child is prescribed retinoid medication, they must undergo blood tests and check-ups regularly. Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis (pronounced "ick-thee-owe-sis")is a category of genetic skin diseases that cause dry, scaly, thickened skin.

 The skin serves numerous functions, including physical protection, providing a barrier to keep the skin hydrated (moisturized), protecting against infection, and assisting in to control of body temperature.

 In normal skin, new cells of skin form in the deepest layer of the skin- even as dead cells drop from the top layer. In ichthyosis, either dead cells spread too slowly, causing a buildup of the top dry layer, or new cells from the lower layers are produced quite gradually, allowing too much water can lose from the skin.

Although there is no known cure for Ichthyosis, there are treatments that can help to improve the skin's condition.

Ichthyosis Signs and Symptoms

Ichthyosis symptoms include thick, scaly, dry, and cracked skin. If your child is born with ichthyosis, their skin may appear normal initially, but it will gradually dry out and become scaly. Symptoms typically appear by the age of five.

Ichthyosis can affect any part of the body, including the face and scalp; however, the bends in the arms and legs are usually unaffected. The palms and soles of the feet have thick skin.

Most children with ichthyosis have a mild form of the disease that has little impact on their overall health and well-being.

Some children may find the condition distressing or embarrassing.

It can be very drastic in rare cases, affecting the entire skin surface or causing blisters. Repeated infections, discomfort, and sweating problems are possible in this case.

What is the Source of Ichthyosis?

Inherited ichthyosis is usually present at birth or develops during childhood. Ichthyosis is a genetic disease that is not infectious and is not caused by infection (it cannot be caught by others).

Acquired ichthyosis is more common in adults and can be provoked; by various conditions or medications.

When to see a Doctor

If you are concerned about your child's skin, see a doctor. The doctor will be concerned about your child's skin and may refer you to see a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist (skin specialist). A skin biopsy (a small sample of skin taken with an anesthetic) and a genetic test (blood or saliva) may be needed for a diagnosis.If the skin on your child's feet is causing problems such as thickened skin, pain, and cracking, your child may require further management and treatment from a podiatrist.

Treatment for Ichthyosis

There are different sorts of medicines employed for ichthyosis treatment.

Keratolytics 

Keratolytics help to loosen the hierarchies on the skin and promote them to come off. They are found in skincare products that also moisturize the skin. Sadly, they can also be annoying, causing redness, stinging, itching, or discomfort. The power of the cream can be changed - if any of these symptoms appear.

Keratolytic good examples of include:

Salicylic acid and lactic acid 1% creams

ammonium lactate (e.g., Lanate)

urea creams, hydroxy acid creams (e.g., NeoStrata) (e.g., Urederm, Eulactol, Calmurid).

Retinoids

In severe cases of ichthyosis, a retinoid (e.g., Neotigason) can be beneficial in removing the scale, skin irritation, and itch.

High vitamin A doses can cause dry eyes, lips, and nose. Nasal bleeds, headaches, nausea, and high blood cholesterol are some of the additional side effects. High doses of vitamin A can lead to birthmarks if taken during pregnancy.

Dermatologists can only prescribe retinoids, which must be closely monitored - with regular health checks and blood tests.

At-Home Care

If your child has ichthyosis, you may need to spend time caring for their skin every day.

 

●       Creams assist in enhancing the condition of dryness by replacing lost moisture and retaining it in the skin. They must be used regularly, especially after showering or bathing. Moisturizers such as QV cream, Atoderm crème, Kenkay cream, Dermeze, sorbolene, and glycerine seem to be examples.

●       Instead of soap, which can further dry out the skin, use a soap replacement, such as oils and cleans (e.g., Hamilton's bath oil, QV bath oil, Dermaveen shower, etc.), and bath oil, Hamilton wash, QV wash).

●       If your child's baths contain bleach (along with the bath oil or wash), this can assist in decreasing microbes on the skin and prevent further infections. For more information, see our fact sheet Skin infections - bleach baths.

●       Shampoos usually contain salicylic acid or tar can help to reduce scaling and relieve itching on the scalp (e.g., NeoCeutical shampoo and Ducray Kertyol shampoo). Brush the hair after washing to remove scales from the scalp.

Children and their families can be distressed by ichthyosis. Children with the disorder may experience low self-esteem, teasing, or bullying. Meeting other young people in the same situation can be beneficial (for more information, see the section below).

Follow-Up

Consult your doctor if your child's skin suddenly becomes painful, cracked, oozing/weeping/crusting. Your doctor may specify antibiotics to Ichtyosis cure any skin disease.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your child's treatment. If your child is on oral antibiotics, remember to have periodic blood tests done.

Essential Points to Remember

An ichthyosis is a group of genetic skin diseases recognized by dry, scaly, thickened skin.

It is usually present at birth or develops later in life.

Most children with ichthyosis have a mild form of the disease that has little impact on their overall health and well-being. Ichthyosis can be severe in some children, affecting the entire skin surface or causing blisters.

Treatment may include medications as well as proper skin care.

If your child is prescribed retinoid medication, they must undergo blood tests and check-ups regularly.