Ichthyosis vulgaris - Definition

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin disorder causing dry, scaly skin.

It is the commonest ichthyosis, affecting around 1 in 300. For this reason it is known as common ichthyosis. It is also referred to as fish skin disease on account of its appearance.

It is overwhelmingly a dominant inherited disease, although a very rare variant, acquired ichthyosis vulgaris, is not inherited.

The symptoms of the inherited condition manifest themselves at around four years old. The symptoms will often improve with age, although they may grow more severe again in old age.

The acquired variant usually becomes evident during adulthood.

The condition is not life-threatening; the impact on the patient is generally restricted to mild itching and the social impact of having unusual-looking skin.

External links

• Photographs from the Johns Hopkins Dermatlas (http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/result.cfm?Diagnosis=28)
• Photographs from Ichthyosis Information (http://www.ichthyosis.com/pictures.htm)
• MedilinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001451.htm)