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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffIchthyosis vulgaris is characterized by chronic, excessive buildup of the protein in the upper layer of the skin (keratin). This buildup is a result of your skin's natural shedding process being slowed or inhibited.
Ichthyosis vulgaris is most often caused by a genetic mutation, inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. That means a child has to inherit only one copy of the affected gene to develop the disease. Children with the inherited form of the disorder usually have normal skin at birth, but develop scaling and roughness during the first few years of life. At times, ichthyosis vulgaris may disappear during the adult years, only to return later.
Ichthyosis not caused by genetic abnormalities, referred to as acquired ichthyosis, is rare. This type usually shows up in adulthood. It's usually associated with other diseases, such as cancer, thyroid disease or chronic renal failure.
- About ichthyosis: FAQ. Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types. http://www.scalyskin.org/column.cfm?ColumnID=13. Accessed April 4, 2010.
- Okulicz JF, et al. Hereditary and acquired ichthyosis vulgaris. International Journal of Dermatology 2003;42:95.
- Fleckman P, et al. The ichthyoses. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2977821. Accessed April 5, 2010.
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