In ichthyosis vulgaris, the skin cells are produced at a normal rate, but they do not shed normally at the surface of the outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) and are not shed as quickly as they should be. The result is a build-up of scale. Fine scales usually develop on the back and over muscles near the joints, such as an elbow or knee (extensor muscles). Ichthyosis is usually most common and severe over the lower legs.

Ichthyosis vulgaris is characterized by Dry skin with small scales in a color range from white to dirty gray or brown.

Ichthyosis vulgaris slows your skin's natural shedding process. This causes chronic, excessive buildup of the protein in the upper layer of the skin (keratin). Symptoms include:

• Dry, scaly skin
• Tile-like, small scales
• White, gray or brown scales, depending on skin color
• Flaky scalp
• Deep, painful cracks in your skin

The scales usually appear on your elbows and lower legs and may be especially thick and dark over your shins. Most cases of ichthyosis vulgaris are mild, but some can be severe. The severity of symptoms may vary widely among family members who have the condition.

Symptoms usually worsen or are more pronounced in cold, dry environments and tend to improve or even resolve in warm, humid environments.

Ichthyosis vulgaris is commonly caused by a genetic mutation that's inherited from one or both parents. Children who inherit a defective gene from just one parent have a milder form of the disease. Those who inherit two defective genes have a more severe form of ichthyosis vulgaris. Children with the inherited form of the disorder usually have normal skin at birth, but develop scaling and roughness during the first few years of life.

If genetic abnormalities aren't responsible for ichthyosis, it's referred to as acquired ichthyosis. It's usually associated with other diseases, such as cancer, thyroid disease or HIV/AIDS.

Ichthyosis vulgaris doesn't have a known cure, so the goal of treatment is to manage the condition.

Medications

Treatments may include:

• Exfoliating creams and ointments. Prescription creams and ointments containing alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid, help control scaling and increase skin moisture.

• Oral medication. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin A-derived medications called retinoids to reduce the production of skin cells. Side effects from the medication may include eye and lip inflammation, bone spurs and hair loss.

  Retinoids may cause birth defects. Women considering retinoid therapy should be sure they are not pregnant before starting the medication — and use effective birth control while taking retinoids.

"Also known as Common ichthyosis, Fish scale disease and Ichthyosis Vulgaris. This is characterised by excessively dry skin with scaling. Dead cells accumulate on the skin, they are not shed off. Untreated, dry, scaly skin may result in complications like eczematous dermatitis, secondary bacterial infections, cellulitis, and skin discolouration. The following can determine your susceptibility to ichthyosis simplex Factors like genetics and family history are the most important determiners of acquiring this disease. This disease is an inherited disorder transmitted through an autosomal dominant inheritance. Another potential cause of ichthyosis simplex is a gene mutation occurring in the foetal stage in the womb. Other factors that contribute to developing the disease as an adult, are the adverse effects of certain medications like clofazimine used to treat leprosy and suffering from other diseases like HIV, kidney failure and certain cancers. No cure has been found for the disease, treatment consists of managing symptoms. Treatment generally requires frequent and regular applications of bland emollients and moisturizers List of conditions ● Overheating is observed due to skin thickness and scales of ichthyosis which interfere with sweating. ● Hyperhidrosis occurs in some people. ● Secondary skin infections. ● Children who have the disease have a higher risk of developing eczema, asthma, hay fever and hives. List of symptoms ● Dry, itchy, scaly skin ● Tile-like, small scales ● White, grey or brown scales, depending on skin colour ● Flaky scalp ● Thick, rough skin on the palms and soles of the feet with deep lines List of drugs ● Maximization of the use of skin emollients. ● Increased hydration by frequent intake of liquids, using humidifiers. ● Use of topical corticosteroids"