Ichthyosis Vulgaris: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Ichthyosis Vulgaris
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Ichthyosis Vulgaris

• Ichthyosis vulgaris is a genetic skin
  condition in which skin is unable to shed its
  dead skin cells. The presence of dead skin cells
  on the skin results in the rapid accumulation of
  skin causing thick and dry scales. The excessive
  dryness of skin obstructs the normal functioning
  of the skin to fight against infections and
  regulating body temperature. Severe patches
  usually appear on larger areas of the body such
  as back, legs, arms, and abdomen. Ichthyosis
  vulgaris is a rare skin disease and occurs in one
  out of 200 people. However, Ichthyosis vulgaris
  is a non-contagious skin condition, but often
  leads to emotional distress among many patients.
  Ichthyosis vulgaris is also known as fish scale
  disease. 

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Causes of Ichthyosis vulgaris 

• The most possible cause of Ichthyosis vulgaris
  is mutation in the genes. The mutation in
  inherited genes affects the protein known as
  filaggrin, resulting in Ichthyosis vulgaris.
  Ichthyosis vulgaris skin condition follows an
  autosomal dominant pattern, which means only one
  parent is the carrier of the mutated gene.
  Sometimes Ichthyosis vulgaris may develop along
  with other skin conditions such as keratosis
  pilaris or dermatitis.

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Symptoms

• The symptoms of Ichthyosis vulgaris depend on
  the severity of the condition. Most of the
  symptoms of Ichthyosis vulgaris are visible at
  birth or appear during childhood. The symptoms
  of Ichthyosis vulgaris may get worse in winter
  and dry climates. 
• Itchy skin
• Thickened skin
• Flaky skin
• Severely dry skin
• White or brown scales
• Painful skin cracks
• Eczema

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Diagnosis of Ichthyosis vulgaris

• A dermatologist can diagnose Ichthyosis vulgaris
  simply by looking at the bumps. Sometimes he a
  may take a sample from the affected area by
  scratching the affected skin. The sample is
  further observed under a microscope to determine
  the possible cause and condition of infection. A
  patient should tell their dermatologist about
  their medical history and symptoms they have been
  experiencing. A dermatologist may also order
  a blood test to check for other skin conditions
  that can cause similar symptoms as of Ichthyosis
  vulgaris.

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Treatment

• There is no permanent cure available for
  Ichthyosis vulgaris. However, its treatment can
  help in managing painful symptoms. The treatment
  of Ichthyosis vulgaris may include 
• Medicines containing lactic acid or alpha hydroxy
  acids can help the skin to maintain moisture and
  prevent scaling.
• Apply moisturiser or cream containing urea to
  keep the skin hydrated.
• Avoid going out in hot and humid temperature.
• Retinoids medicines to slow down the over
  production of skin cells.
• Avoid scratching the affected area.
• If Ichthyosis vulgaris is left untreated it will
  cause excessive dryness of skin. Dry skin is
  vulnerable to severe skin infections like atopic
  dermatitis. 

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Complications of Ichthyosis vulgaris 

• People suffering from Ichthyosis vulgaris may
  experience 
• In some patients, skin thickness and scales of
  ichthyosis can interfere with sweating resulting
  excess sweating and overheating.
• Skin splitting and cracking associated with
  Ichthyosis vulgaris may lead to infections.

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