SOME PERSONS suffer from a type of dry, scaly skin called icthyosis. Icthyosis vulgaris is one of a group of skin disorders which is inherited and present at birth or in early childhood.The patient does not have the normal replacement of dead skin layer with a new one. The outer layer of the skin is made up of a few layers of microscopic cells that periodically slough off one by one. These cells are dead and are replaced by cells from below. If these cells do not fall off in an orderly manner but clump together, they are seen as scales.
Patients with this skin condition have chronic, widespread scaly, dry skin which may be very itchy. The entire body may be covered with fine scales, particularly on the outer aspects of the arms and legs and on the body. Usually the knees and elbows are spared. Larger scales are often found on the shins. The face is usually clear but in some persons there may be some scaling on the forehead and cheeks. This condition is worse during the colder season and will worsen in dry air-conditioned offices.
In general, icthyosis vulgaris improves during adulthood but may get worse in old age. There is not yet a cure for this genetic disorder. Treatment is aimed at hydrating the skin and reducing water loss from the skin. The following preparations are helpful:
Moisturisers prevent water loss from the skin for example, fats in fluid form (olive oil), fats in ointment form (lanolin), solid fats (cocoa butter), mineral greases (such as mineral oil which is preferable to babyoil which contains perfumes and other additives).
Soap substitutes do not leach all the oils from the skin
Urea-containing preparations (10-20 per cent)
Lactic acid preparations (5-10 per cent)
Glycolic acid preparations (5-10 per cent)
Drugs called Retinoids may be used in severe cases by a dermatologist.
- Dr. Clive Anderson, dermatologist
