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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThere's no known cure for ichthyosis, so the goal of treatment is to manage the condition.
Medications
Treatments may include:
- Alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid. Treatment can include prescription creams and ointments that contain acids that help control scaling and increase skin moisture.
- Retinoids. Your doctor may proscribe these vitamin A-derived medications in severe cases. They reduce the production of skin cells. Side effects from the medication may include eye and lip inflammation, bone spurs and hair loss, as well as birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
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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