Ichthyosis vulgaris

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis
Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Sometimes called fish scale disease or fishskin disease, ichthyosis vulgaris is an inherited skin disorder that causes dead skin cells to accumulate in thick, dry scales on the skin's surface. These scales can be present at birth, but usually first appear in early childhood. Sometimes ichthyosis vulgaris disappears entirely for most of the adult years, only to return later.

Though most cases are mild, some cases of ichthyosis vulgaris are severe. No cure has been found and treatments are directed at controlling the signs and symptoms.

Symptoms