Ichthyosis Research Papers

Ichthyosis is a rare genetic or acquired skin condition, classified under the “Disorders of Cornification” (NORD's Rare Disease Database, 2005) and is characterized by dry, thickened and scaling skin. There are many different forms of Ichthyosis, with some acquired types, disguisable from one another by the extent of scaling, the presence of reddening skin, how it was inherited and the associated abnormalities. Ichthyosis is a lifelong disease to which there is no cure. Ichthyosis may be genetic or acquired throughout life, the inherited forms are rare and usually present at birth or infancy and are lifelong conditions. There are five types of genetic ichthyosis and include ichthyosis vulgaris, lamellar ichthyosis, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma and x-linked ichthyosis. Acquired types may develop at any age because of various medical conditions, including kidney disease. Both can be subdivided into even more categories, there are roughly 28 subdivisions of Ichthyosis.
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Lamellar ichthyosis, a more severe form, is an autosomal recessive form, 1 in 300,000 and x-linked recessive ichthyosis that affects 1 in 6,000 males. Males with ichthyosis vulagaris and x-linked recessive ichthyosis are more at risk for testicular cancer, cryptorchidism , and abnormalities in sperm count or motility . All races may become affected by both acquired and inherited forms of ichthyosis. In addition to skin complications, people with ichthyosis may also suffer from dehydration, infections, chronic blistering, overheating, and rapid-calorie loss. There are many risks for psychological issues because of the physical abnormalities associated with ichthyosis and the chronically shedding of skin, patients are often ostracized and isolated, the usually suffer from self-esteem and