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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Ichthyosis vulgaris, sometimes called fish scale disease or fish skin disease, is an inherited skin disorder in which dead skin cells accumulate in thick, dry scales on your skin's surface. The scales of ichthyosis vulgaris can be present at birth, but usually first appear during early childhood. Sometimes ichthyosis vulgaris disappears entirely for most of the adult years, only to return later.
Most cases of ichthyosis vulgaris are mild, but some are severe. Sometimes other skin diseases are associated with ichthyosis vulgaris, such as the rash-producing atopic dermatitis. No cure has been found for ichthyosis vulgaris, and treatments focus on controlling the condition.
- 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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