Joel Schlessinger, MD

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUTIchthyosis

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Ichthyosis is a condition that slows your skin’s natural shedding process, causing an excessive buildup of protein in the upper layer of skin. Dry skin accumulates in patches on the surface and results in a scaly, rough texture.

What is ichthyosis?

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Ichthyosis is most often an inherited condition that typically appears at birth or during the first few years of life. In most cases, the condition disappears during early childhood but for some ichthyosis may return during adulthood. Ichthyosis that is not inherited from a parent may be associated with another condition such as an underactive thyroid, kidney disease, lymphoma or HIV infection.

What causes ichthyosis?

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The symptoms of ichthyosis include flaky, scaly skin that appears white, gray or brown. The condition may also cause deep, painful cracks in the skin that are worsened in cold or dry environments. Mild cases of ichthyosis are confined to specific areas such as the elbows, legs or shins. More severe cases cover larger areas of the body such as the back, abdomen, arms or legs.

What are the symptoms of ichthyosis?

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There is no cure for ichthyosis but the symptoms may be controlled with continued treatment. Exfoliating rough areas with a product that contains alpha hydroxy acids or polyhydroxy acids reduces the buildup of dry skin. Regular moisturizing will help to keep skin hydrated and reduce discomfort.

Is there a cure for ichthyosis?

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If you expect a loved one may have ichthyosis, it is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist who can provide an individualized course of treatment. If the condition is not inherited, it may be symptomatic of an underactive thyroid, kidney disease, lymphoma or HIV infection. Your physician can pinpoint the cause of ichthyosis and help you proceed with the appropriate treatment.

How should I treat ichthyosis?

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Avoid products that are harsh or drying. If you must use chemicals or products that dry your skin, wear gloves or other protective clothing to reduce skin’s exposure to the irritant. It may also be beneficial to use a humidifier, particularly if you live in a cold or dry climate. This will add moisture to the air around you to help your skin retain its natural hydration levels.

How can I protect skin affected by ichthyosis?

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The alpha hydroxy acids in NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream remove debris for a softer, smoother texture. This exfoliating cream contains beeswax and oil extracts to relieve itchiness, flakiness and inflammation while moisturizing skin affected by ichthyosis.

NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream

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NeoStrata Bionic Lotion employs 3% lactobionic acid and 12% gluconolactone to remove dry, flaky skin without aggravating ichthyosis. It also contains nourishing vitamin E and soothing meadowfoam seed oil to improve skin health and comfort.

NeoStrata Bionic Lotion

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To comfort the symptoms of ichthyosis, FixMySkin Healing Body Balm contains 1% hydrocortisone, a topical steroid that soothes inflammation and irritation. Shea butter and cocoa butter replenish moisture to reduce dryness and flakiness.

FixMySkin Healing Body Balm

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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Ichthyosis to browse our full selection of products.

EltaMD Intense Moisturizer nourishes skin while relieving the uncomfortable effects of ichthyosis. This rich cream helps skin retain 90% of is moisture for at least 12 hours to reduce dryness and flaking.

EltaMD Intense Moisturizer

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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Ichthyosis to browse our full selection of products.

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Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/Ichthyosis to browse our full selection of products.