Ichthyosis vulgaris

Disease Overview

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a common skin disorder passed down through families that leads to dry, scaly skin.  It often begins in early childhood. Treatment may include heavy duty moisturizers which contain chemicals that help the skin to shed normally, including lactic acid, salicylic acid, and urea. Ichthyosis vulgaris can be a nuisance, but it rarely affects overall health. The condition usually disappears during adulthood, but may return in later years. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.[5788]

Synonyms

• Ichthyosis simplex
• Common ichthyosis
• Fish scale disease