Conditions
Ichthyosis
Ichthyosis is a term used to describe continual scaling of the skin. In fact, the name of this condition is derived from the ancient Greek word “ichthys”, which means fish, although not all sufferers have fish-like scales. There are many types of this rare condition, which can be inherited (genetic or congenital) or develop later in life. However, Ichthyosis vulgaris is the commonest form of inherited Ichthyosis, which affects one in every 250 people. This is usually quite mild and develops in early childhood with fine, light grey scales and roughness on the arms and legs. It is sometimes associated with atopic or childhood allergic eczema, which may cause an increased wrinkling of the palms and soles. Regular application of moisturisers or emollients can alleviate the condition, which may improve in adulthood (although the condition can still be passed down to a sufferers children). Some of the rarer and more severe forms of the condition, such as Harlequin Ichthyosis, can require intensive medical and nursing care.
Comments
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Hi i have had snakelike skin on my legs for as long as i can remember, when i was a teenager i had skin tests that came back showing i had ezcema i have used many different creams none of which seemed to help.
After reading this page it gives me great relief to know there is a name for it and better still it can be treated i will be visiting my doctors asap
thank you
I just wanted to say THANK YOU to the creators of this site and also the contributors to the icthyosis page.
I developed it about 2 years ago & its always been worse in winter (summer being bearable – probably due to the extra mostuisres I use then)
I never did anything about it because although very ichy as it wasn't life threatening I just put up with it.
I watched the program, looked up the web site & this called into my local chemist and bought Eucerin (£12 with out a prescription). It contains 10 % urea which seems to be the key. Within 3 day my legs have cleared up!! No more ichy snake skin… THANK YOU all for helping.
Hi,
Can you please let me know the name of the cream and where to buy it?
Many Thanks
Hi, i watched the show about the black lady with Ichthyosis and i have the same issue. I was wondering what cream she used because it seemed to work for her. Does anyone know what cream was recommended for her on the show? thks
Hi I believe I have just developed this complaint, I noticed back in July 2009, when we had a bit of hot weather i developed this itchy rash and then i noticed my shins looking like snakeskin. Been to my doctors and 1st doctor gave me betnovate and 2nd doctor today prescribed doublebase gel, which I havent used as yet. I did however, about 4 weeks ago wrap my legs in clingfilm using Aqueous cream, appeared to help a bit. But I once had beautiful skin up until July 2009 and now feel conscious about my legs. I have now been referred to a dermatologist. I will be printing off this page with pictures to see what they say. Anybody any ideas on whats best to use. I have Bio Oil.
Reading some of your comments about how it can be passed on, I am sure now that my 3 year boy has it on his shins. Again any advice on what to use
hi i have been trying all the creams, i have wraped my legs it worked for a pit. now i just put it on day and night. no more icth thats great as it was driveing me mad.
hi i have tried Eucerin cream and it is great, i do not wrap my legs i just apply the cream morning and night, after 2 weeks the skin on my legs are a lot better, same i cannot find a cream to get rid of my veins.
hi my mother-in law got cellulites in her both legs problems can you tell me the treatment please she suffer alot
hi my mother-in law got cellulites problems can you tell me the treatment please she suffer alot
hi
i am putting calmurid on first and then cetrebun on straight after, wrapping my legs in cling film leaving it on for 2hours each time. Doing this twice a day (not sure if i need to or just once a day). been doing it for 6 days now and not much change but looks promising. Skin is a bit pealy like when you come back from holiday in the sun. I will let you know how i get on.
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