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Ichthyosis vulgaris



Skin layers
Skin layers


Ichthyosis vulgaris

Definition:

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a common inherited skin disorder causing dry, scaly skin.


Alternative Names:
Common ichthyosis; Fish scale disease
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:


Ichthyosis vulgaris is one of the most common of the inherited skin disorders. It may begin in early childhood, before a child is 4 years old. In most cases one parent is affected, and each child has a 50-50 chance of being affected.The conditionusually disappears during adulthood, but may recur in old age.

Ichthyosis involves development of dry, scaly skin. It is usually most severe over the legs but may also involve the arms, hands, and trunk. Affected persons may also show many fine lines over the palm of the hand. The condition is often more noticeable in the winter. It may belinked with atopic dermatitis, keratosis pilaris (small bumps on the back of the arms), or other skin disorders.




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