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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough self-help measures won't cure ichthyosis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. Consider these measures to help:
- Take long soaking baths to soften the skin. Then use a rough-textured sponge, such as a loofa sponge, to remove the thickened scales.
- Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps, which are especially harsh on dry skin.
- After showering or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.
- Apply moisturizer or lubricating cream while your skin is still moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep your skin moist. Petroleum jelly is another good choice. Cover the treated areas with plastic wrap to keep the petroleum jelly from staining clothes and furniture.
- Apply an over-the-counter product that contains urea, lactic acid or a low concentration of salicylic acid twice daily. Mild acidic compounds help your skin shed its dead skin cells. Urea helps bind moisture to your skin.
- Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.
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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