Ichthyosis is a group of skin disorders that lead to dry, itchy skin that appears scaly, rough, and red. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. Ichthyosis can affect only the skin, but some forms of the disease can affect internal organs as well.

Anyone can get ichthyosisIt can be genetic, resulting from spontaneously altered gene, or inherited from their parents or it can be acquired (nongenetic) from another medical disorder or certain medications.

There are more than 30 distinct types of ichthyosis. The symptoms and signs depend upon the type of the disease and how severe it is. The symptoms of ichthyosis can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:Dry skin, Itching, Redness and Cracking of the skin.Scales on the skin are white, gray, or brown and they may be Small and flaky, Large, plate-like or Hard, armor-like scales.other symptoms may include: Blisters, Hair loss,Dry eyes, Inability to perspire (sweat), Difficulty in hearing, Thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles.

Treatment options available till now include Urea based moisturizers and emollients along with retinoids as disease modifying agents. With these symptoms and severity of disease can be controlledthat leads to improved quality of life.

Before labelling a person with ichtyhosis, consultation with Dermatologist is necessary who can also help in management.