Ichthyosis of the skin: causes, symptoms, treatment

A separate group of diseases has been identified by medicine, which is caused by changes in the surface layer of the skin at the genetic level. Due to violations, the skin undergoes certain changes and becomes similar to fish scales. This disease is hereditary and can manifest itself at any age of the person, regardless of race, gender and social status. Ichthyosis can be expressed weakly and does not cause the patient any special problems, and can be aggressive and even lead to death. Ichthyosis of the skin and ichthyosis-like diseases have a mass of types and, unfortunately, are quite common and difficult to treat. Many leading medical laboratories are working to at least somehow curb the pathology and make life easier for patients.

What is ichthyosis?

Pathological formation of the stratum corneum is ichthyosis. The causes of its occurrence are caused by violations in the genetic code of one or both parents, namely - in the X chromosome. There are many diseases that manifest themselves and look like ichthyosis, but in fact they are not. Therefore, it is not worthwhile to panic if there are any similar symptoms. A true disease can be detected only by a specialist, and most of the skin diseases similar to it can be successfully cured. Ichthyosis of the skin and ichthyosis-like diseases have many species, but the medicine officially divides them into several main groups. More about each of them - more.

Ordinary ichthyosis

It is also called vulgar ichthyosis, it is one of the most common species. The disease manifests itself at an early age, but, unlike other forms, does not affect children up to 3 months of age.

The most aggressive disease behaves during the puberty of the patient, and this is about 10 years of age. Once the hormonal background of a person is stabilized, there are improvements in the condition of the skin. Some relief comes in the summer seasons, but with a cold snap the disease begins to progress. Boys and girls with similar chances can develop this disease. Ichthyosis is usually transmitted from the carrier (one of the parents) to the child. The disease pursues the patient throughout life, the condition can improve and worsen.

Symptoms of vulgar ichthyosis

Vulgar ichthyosis has received such a name because it seems to be exposing itself. The disease affects the skin of the face, cheeks, forehead and lips especially. The skin is covered with small whitish scales, well distinguishable by the eye. Their appearance and shape resembles wheat bran, because often such ichthyosis of the skin is called "deprive of otrigious". Affected areas are not prone to redness or inflammation, but the skin becomes dry and flaky. The disease does not affect the hair or nails of an adult patient and causes no particular anxiety.

The face is only the original location of the location, with time the scaling is completely gone, but other parts of the body are already affected. Often these are knee and elbow folds, flanks and lower back area, sometimes ankles. Such ichthyosis does not affect, in contrast to other species, the inguinal zone and places with large cutaneous folds. By the nature of the course of the disease and the size and shape of scales, the usual ichthyosis of the skin is divided into several types: simple ichthyosis, xeroderma, serpentine, acicular, black and shiny (pearl) ichthyosis.

Concomitant problems

Little children and adolescents are much worse than ichthyosis. The reasons are violations of the organs and body systems.

• The child slowly grows and gains weight, looks angular, deviations in mental development are possible.
• Increases sebum secretion and sweating, as a result - the structure of the hair is broken, they can fall out. Nail plates become dull, thin and brittle.
• Immunity is weakened, and therefore children are often ill with viral and inflammatory diseases.
• Violated metabolism and thyroid function, hormonal exchange.
• Cholesterol rises in the blood, which can subsequently lead to heart and vascular diseases.
• Developed "night blindness" - a condition in which people do not distinguish objects in the dark.

All these problems are especially evident in the winter season. Special attention should be given to proper nutrition and hygiene. Walking in the fresh air and sunbathing are useful.

Ordinary ichthyosis in recessive form

Disease ichthyosis in a recessive form is expressed in a stronger manifestation of skin peeling throughout the body and has a sex-binding: only male representatives get sick of this form. Girls rarely fall ill, but they are carriers. Becoming mothers, they transmit the disease to their sons, who then transfer the hereditary chromosome to their daughters. So it can go on forever.

For a girl, a recessive disease can end fatal. Such cases are rare and can occur only if both of its parents were infected, then they will pass on the abnormal X chromosome of the daughter. The disease is very severe, such girls rarely survive.

Symptoms in recessive form

Very often the scalp is affected, the hair becomes thinner, falls out, full hair loss may occur. Scales larger and dense, in contrast to the vulgar form, have a darker shade. Patients suffer from violations of organs. There can be violations of the bone system and mental development, the cornea of the eye becomes cloudy, and cases of epilepsy are not uncommon.

Congenital ichthyosis in severe form

Ichthyosis is congenital - the most complex pathology, can occur in mild or severe form. The survival rate is very small, children die several hours after birth. In rare cases, the child can save. The disease is mutated into other forms, into erythroderma, for example. In extremely rare cases, which by right can be called a miracle, the disease completely recedes with age and never disturbs a person.

Symptoms of severe form

Congenital ichthyosis in children is manifested in a number of disorders and malformations. Such babies are born prematurely, with a small weight. The skin of the baby is completely changed and resembles a shell that cracks, and from them oozes blood.

At a time when the development of the skin in the child is impaired, the remaining organs, tissues and mucous membranes continue to develop normally. The skin is not elastic, it holds and turns the attached tissues outwards. The face and entire body of the child are strongly deformed and assume an unnatural appearance.

The cause of high mortality in newborns is due to the fact that the keratinized tissue grows and pulls or completely clogs the vital organs. A newborn can not breathe and eat, internal organs have defects in development, an infection is attached. Such children are also called "Harlequins", and the disease is a "Harlequin symptom".

Congenital ichthyosis in mild form

If the ichthyosis is congenital develops in a mild (benign) form, then the baby gets a chance to live. The keratinized tissue grows not so strongly, as at a heavy form. Internal organs, even if they are deformed, are capable of carrying out their vital function.

Symptoms of mild form

Ichthyosis in children can affect the entire skin or only certain areas. In such places the skin turns red, puffy seals are felt under it, especially in places where skin folds are located. Pathological areas on the face can disfigure the appearance, turning the eyelids or the area of the mouth and nose. But there are chances of survival for such children.

Ichthyosis in a "shiny" form

Such ichthyosis of the skin is sometimes confused with hair follicles. It appears in areas where the skin is bent (knee, elbow joints). The foci are covered with small nodules, which are covered with large, glistening scales of purple color.

Prevention

Ichthyosis is a skin disease that can not be prevented, but it is possible to predict the birth of children with pathology. There were many centers for planning families, giving advice to geneticists. Specialists will take into account all the indicators, especially if the young couple or their relatives had cases of ichthyosis. Genetics will compare the mechanisms and risks of the possible development of a severe form of pathology in the fetus and will give recommendations on the future planning of the baby. If the risks are high, such a couple may be advised to abandon the birth of the baby. But, whatever it is, the decision will depend solely on the spouses.

Illness of ichthyosis in severe form is a very terrible disease. Mortality of newborns is almost 100%. Even if the baby can survive, it is unlikely that the level of his life can be called comfortable. Such a child can not develop normally. He will be prone to a variety of concomitant diseases, each movement will cause suffering from pain. Married couples should show responsibility and do not neglect the recommendations of specialists.

Treatment

Have you been diagnosed with ichthyosis? How to treat this disease? Dermatologists, geneticists and infectious disease specialists treat and control the course of the disease. To deep regret, the disease refers to genetic diseases, and it is impossible to completely get rid of it. Medicine is only able to maintain the patient's quality of life at the proper level and in every possible way prevent the emergence of infections. Creams and ointments that will soften and disinfect the affected areas of the skin, patients will be forced to use throughout life.

The disease of ichthyosis is also complex psychologically. Perhaps you need the help of a psychologist, and the support of close people is extremely important. The rejection of society can oppress the already difficult state of a person. Children should communicate with their peers. It is important to explain to children that this disease is not contagious and not dangerous for them.

Immunity should be maintained. The food should be high-grade. Take sunbathing, but be sure to avoid sunburn and overheating. Showing bathing in sea water or bath with sea salt. It is necessary to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and, with the slightest illness, seek help from doctors. The slightest infection, which has fallen into a weakened organism, can rapidly develop into a disease that is stable with complications.

Folk methods of treatment of ichthyosis

Folk healers give a lot of advice for those who suffer from scaly skin. They are all different and are aimed at at least somehow relieve the course of the disease and reduce discomfort. However, remember, follow the advice of people who have a questionable attitude to medicine, should be cautious. If the grandmother in the market will intrusively slip you a drug "from the sludge of the ichthyos of Schleiman", which does not exist in nature, it is better to stay away from such an "intern". But in folk medicine there are really worthwhile recommendations. Basically, it's teas and baths on herbal decoctions. There are also recipes for home ointments, which are aimed at moisturizing, disinfecting and nourishing the skin. They all consist of natural ingredients, and it is not difficult to prepare them at home. Perhaps, you will choose for yourself several effective and simple recipes.

Geneticists and laboratories of many countries are working on finding a cure for people suffering from genetic diseases. It is to be hoped that a panacea will be found soon, and we will be able to rid humanity of such an unpleasant and even terrible disease for good.