Ichthyosis is the name of a rare genetic skin disease which causes the formation of dry, fish-like scales on the skin’s surface. Ichthyosis causes the skin to build up and scale, causing it to be extremely dry, among other problems. The condition often begins in early childhood and usually lasts throughout life.
Some people with ichthyosis may experience some or all of the following:
Limitations in movement: The tightness of the skin may make it painful to move some parts of the body.
Secondary infection: Splitting and cracking of the skin can lead to skin infections and/or systemic infections.
Impaired eyesight or hearing: Skin build-up over the eyes or ears may occur.
There is no cure for the disease, however the key to taking care of ichthyosis is to hydrate (moisturize) the skin, hold in the moisture, and keep scale thickness to a minimum.