Ichthyosis (Fish Scale Disease) - Medtick
Medtick

Ichthyosis (Fish Scale Disease)

What is it?

Dry scaly inflamed (hot, red and swollen) skin condition.

Types of ichthyosis

  • Ichthyosis vulgaris
  • X-linked ichthyosis – only affects males and includes general scaling, particularly over the limbs and trunk (torso)
  • Epidermolytic ichthyosis
  • Ichthyosis Congenita (Congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma) i.e. Peeling skin syndrome
    • This may develop if a baby is born with a shiny yellow membrane (collodion membrane) that sheds within the first week of life.  Once the membrane has shed, one of the following types of ichthyosis can develop:
    • Non-bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma – inflamed scaly skin that affects the entire skin surface
    • Bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma – inflamed scaly skin with fluid-filled blisters that may become infected and produce a foul-smelling skin odour
    • Lamellar ichthyosis – where the skin isn’t as red, but the scales are larger and tighter to the skin
  • Harlequin ichthyosis – this is extremely rare, but the scaling is severe and requires intensive care at birth
  • Lamellar ichthyosis
  • Syndromes that include ichthyosis
  • Acquired ichthyosis

NHS Choices 

Common locations include:

  • Scalp
  • Forehead and cheeks, especially in younger children
  • Back (extensor surfaces) of the arms
  • Back
  • Front (extensor surfaces) of the legs
One needs to moisturise with strong moisturisers regularly up to six times daily

Cause

Syndromes

Acquired ichthyosis tends to develop in adulthood and isn’t inherited:

Medication

  • Nicotinic acid
  • Cimetidine
  • Clofazimine

Symptoms

  • Dry skin?
  • Cracked skin?
  • Rough and fish scale skin?
  • Sparse hair or areas of baldness (alopecia)?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:

  • Overheating – as a result of a reduced ability to sweat
  • Limited movement – dry skin can make it too painful to move certain parts of the body
  • Skin infection – after cracking and splitting of the skin
  • Impaired hearing or eyesight – if skin builds up over the ears or eyes

NHS Choices 

This condition may  show similar symptoms to other forms of Ichthyosis:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Ichthyosis (Fish Scale Disease) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • Medscape

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • ChatGPT

    Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Fit for Travel

    Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

© Medtick - 2024. All Rights Reserved.