Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Ichthyosis Vulgaris is one of the more commonly seen types of ichthyosis. Sometimes called Common Ichthyosis (“vulgar” means “common” in Latin), it appears in approximately 1 in 250 individuals. Ichthyosis vulgaris often goes undiagnosed because people who have it think they have simple “dry skin” and never seek treatment.

In ichthyosis vulgaris, the skin cells are produced at a normal rate, but they do not separate normally at the surface of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) and are not shed as quickly as they should be. The result is a buildup of scales. Usually only a portion of the body may be involved (scaling is most common and most severe over the lower legs), and the scale is usually fine and white. Scaling on the torso is usually less severe and the face is usually unaffected. When the face is affected, the scaling is usually limited to the forehead and cheeks.

Babies with ichthyosis vulgaris often appear normal when they are born, but then the skin abnormalities will almost always show up by their first birthday. Ichthyosis vulgaris may improve in certain climates, during the summer and with age.

Ichthyosis vulgaris is treated topically with moisturizers, and keratolytics. It is not considered severe enough to warrant use of oral synthetic retinoids.