Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Having dry and scaly skin due to certain reasons is normal, but in the case of ichthyosis vulgaris, these symptoms become more severe and permanent.

Ichthyosis vulgaris

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a common skin condition that causes the skin to become very thick, scaly, and dry.

Ichthyosis vulgaris can affect anyone, but it usually starts in infancy or childhood.

Causes of ichthyosis vulgaris

• In most of the cases, ichthyosis vulgaris occurs due to a genetic mutation that affects a certain protein, which is responsible for forming the skin barrier by binding the cells together.
• Sometimes, ichthyosis vulgaris can occur with other conditions, such as kidney failure, lupus, sarcoidosis, cancer, and HIV.
• In rare cases, it can result from certain medications, such as clofazimine, cimetidine, and vitamin B3 (niacin).

Symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris

• Symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris can be mild to severe. The skin appears dry, cracked, thick, rough, and bumpy, and it causes itchiness.
• Ichthyosis vulgaris usually flares up in the winter and cools down in the summer.

Diagnosis of ichthyosis vulgaris

• Physical exam.

Treatment of ichthyosis vulgaris

• There isn’t a cure for ichthyosis vulgaris, but the condition can be managed by proper skin care.
• You have to soak, exfoliate, and moisturize the skin continuously.