Scaly Skin (Ichthyosis Vulgaris)

Who's At Risk?

All races and both sexes are affected by ichthyosis vulgaris, though it is much more common in some regions than others; in the United States, 1 in 300 people have the ichthyosis trait, whereas internationally it is less prevalent. With hereditary ichthyosis, typically at least one parent has features of dry, scaly skin. It is an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning that if the parent has the trait (and in this case the disease), each child has a 50% chance of acquiring the trait and inheriting the disease.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common locations for ichthyosis vulgaris include:

• Fronts (extensor surfaces) of the legs
• Backs (extensor surfaces) of the arms
• Scalp
• Back
• Forehead and cheeks, especially in younger children

The scales of ichthyosis vulgaris range in size from 1–10 mm and in color from white to gray to brown, with darker-skinned people often having darker scales. The legs are usually affected more than the arms. The creases on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are prominent and often crack during dry or cold weather. However, the scaling tends to improve in more humid or warmer weather.

The following areas tend NOT to be affected:

• Face
• Front of the neck
• Abdomen
• Folds in front of the elbows (flexural surfaces of the arms)
• Folds behind the knees (flexural surfaces of the legs)

Hereditary ichthyosis and acquired ichthyosis look similar, and both are usually itchy. However, the acquired form occurs in people with many internal conditions, including:

• Poor nutrition
• Infections, such as leprosy or HIV/AIDS
• Glandular diseases, such as thyroid or parathyroid problems
• Sarcoidosis
• Cancer, such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma
• Use of certain medications, such as nicotinic acid, cimetidine, and clofazimine

Self-Care Guidelines

Hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris tends to improve after puberty, while acquired ichthyosis vulgaris requires treatment of the underlying medical condition.

However, both conditions should improve by restoring moisture (hydration) to the skin. Creams and ointments are better moisturizers than lotions, and they work best when applied just after bathing, while the skin is still moist. The following over-the-counter products may be helpful:

• Preparations containing alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid
• Creams containing urea
• Over-the-counter cortisone cream (if the areas are itchy)

Any cracks in the skin should be treated immediately with an over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment (eg, Polysporin® or bacitracin) in order to prevent an infection.

Treatments

To treat the dry, scaly skin of ichthyosis vulgaris, the physician may recommend a topical cream or lotion containing the following:

• Prescription-strength alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid)
• Prescription-strength urea
• A retinoid medication such as tretinoin or tazarotene
• High concentrations of propylene glycol

For more severe, stubborn ichthyosis vulgaris, oral treatments may include:

• Isotretinoin, a very strong medication with many potential side effects, usually used in the treatment of severe, scarring acne

The prognosis for someone with hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris is excellent, as most individuals improve after puberty.

If acquired ichthyosis vulgaris is suspected, the doctor will likely attempt to determine the underlying medical condition or the medication that triggered its development. The prognosis for an adult with acquired ichthyosis vulgaris depends upon treating the underlying medical condition or discontinuing the triggering medication.

Visit Urgency

If you have very dry, scaly skin despite twice daily application of an over-the-counter moisturizer, be sure to tell your doctor.

Trusted Links

• Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Ichthyosis Vulgaris

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.775-781. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6^th ed, pp.486, 482, 2353. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.