Ichthyosis vulgaris

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Skin layers

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a common inherited skin disorder causing dry, scaly skin.

Common ichthyosis; Fish scale disease

Ichthyosis vulgaris is one of the most common of the inherited skin disorders. It may begin in early childhood, before a child is 4 years old. In most cases one parent is affected, and each child has a 50-50 chance of being affected. The condition usually disappears during adulthood, but may recur in old age.

Ichthyosis involves development of dry, scaly skin. It is usually most severe over the legs but may also involve the arms, hands, and trunk. Affected persons may also show many fine lines over the palm of the hand. The condition is often more noticeable in the winter. It may be linked with atopic dermatitis, keratosis pilaris (small bumps on the back of the arms), or other skin disorders.

Review Date: 07/22/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.