Ichthyosis is a group of around 20 skin disorders characterized by dry, fish-like scaling of the skin. There are inherited forms of ichthyosis that are genetic, as well as acquired forms that develop later in life due to other health conditions or medications. While there is no cure for ichthyosis, management focuses on moisturizing and exfoliating the skin to reduce scaling and prevent buildup of dead skin cells.

1. Ichthyosis

2. 10 Facts about
Ichthyosis
Dr Miriam Kinai
DarkSkinDermatology.c
om

3. 1. Ichthyosis is
derived from the
Greek word ichthys
which means fish.
2. Ichthyosis consists
of around 20 disorders
of keratinization which
are characterized by
dry skin with a fish-like
scale.

4. 3. The inherited ichthyosis
include:
a. Ichthyosis vulgaris
b. Lamellar ichthyosis
c. Epidermolytic
hyperkeratosis
d. Congenital
ichthyosiform
erythroderma

5. 4. The acquired
ichthyosis develop later
on in life and are
associated with
diseases such as of
the kidney and thyroid
or the used of
medications such as
nicotinic acid.

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7. 5. There is no definitive
cure for ichthyosis and
management is mainly
supportive.
6. Bathing with tar
soap can be beneficial
since it helps reduce
the scaliness.

8. 7. For maximum
effect, moisturizers
such as pure
petroleum jelly, mineral
oil, and sorbolene plus
glycerine, should be
applied while the skin
is still moist
immediately after
taking a bath.

9. 8. Exfoliants are useful
since they remove the
dead skin cells and
prevent the build up of
scales.
9. Urea is a keratolytic
and a humectant and it
hydrates and exfoliates

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11. 10. Alpha hydroxy
acids (AHAs) such as
glycolic acid and lactic
acid are used for
chemical exfoliation in
the management of
ichthyosis.

12. Adapted from
Ichthyosis by Dr Miriam
Kinai which uses
color pictures and clear
explanations to teach
about this skin disease.
DarkSkinDermatology.c
om

13. Dark Skin Dermatology
Color Atlas
by Dr Miriam Kinai
DarkSkinDermatology.c
om