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Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin disorder causing dry, scaly skin. It is the most common form of ichthyosis[1]:486 , affecting around 1 in 250 people [2]. For this reason it is known as common ichthyosis. It is usually an autosomal dominant inherited disease (often associated with filaggrin), although a rare non-heritable version called acquired ichthyosis exists.
The symptoms of the inherited form of ichthyosis vulgaris are not usually present at birth but generally develop between 3 months and 5 years of age. [3] [4] The symptoms will often improve with age, although they may grow more severe again in old age.[5]
The condition is not life-threatening; the impact on the patient, who has a mild case, is generally restricted to mild itching and the social impact of having skin with an unusual appearance. People afflicted with “mild” cases have symptoms which include scaly patches on the shins, fine white scales on the forearms and rough palms. People with the mildest cases have no symptoms other than faint, tell-tale “mosaic lines” between the archilles tendons and the calve muscles.
However, severe cases, although rare, do exist. Severe cases would entail the build up of scales everywhere, with areas of the body that have a concentration of sweat glands being least affected. Areas where the skin rubs against each other, such as the arm pits, the groin, and the “folded” areas of the elbow and knees, would also be less effected. When the build up of scales is bad, the person with a severe case would suffer from “prickly itch” when he or she needs to sweat but cannot as a result of the scales. Various topical treatments are available to “exfoliate” the scales. These include various lotions that contain alpha-hydroxy acids.
Many people with severe ichthyosis have problems sweating due to the build up of scales on the skin. This may lead to problems such as “prickly itch” or problems associated with overheating. The majority of people with vulgaris can sweat at least a little. Paradoxically this means most would be more comfortable living in a hot and humid climate. Sweating helps to shed scales which improves the appearance of the skin and prevents “prickly itch”.
Strong air-conditioning and excessive consumption of alcohol can also increase the build up of scales.
Over 50% of people with ichthyosis vulgaris suffer from some type of atopic disease such as allergies, eczema or asthma.[6] Another common condition associated with ichthyosis vulgaris is keratosis pilaris (small bumps mainly appearing on the back of the upper arms).[4]
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