Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffIchthyosis can affect more than the appearance of your skin; it can affect your skin's ability to function normally. As a result, some people with ichthyosis may experience:
- Overheating. In rare cases, ichthyosis interferes with sweating. Skin thickness and scales prevent sweat from reaching the surface of your skin, which inhibits cooling.
- Secondary infection. Skin splitting and cracking may lead to infections, either on your skin or a wider infection in your body.
References
- 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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