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Ichthyosis

Overview

Open all pages about Ichthyosis

The main symptom of ichthyosis is dry, scaly skin on large areas of the body. The skin may also be thick and rough.

The main treatments for ichthyosis are moisturising treatments (emollients). Severe symptoms may need antibiotics or retinoid tablets or creams.

Ichthyosis symptoms can often be eased at home using skin and scalp care, including moisturising daily with emollients on wet skin.

There are around 20 types of ichthyosis, most of which are passed on from your parents. You can also get it because of another health condition.

Ichthyosis is a group of rare skin conditions that cause dry, scaly skin. It cannot usually be cured, but there are treatments to help the symptoms.

Page last reviewed: 04/05/2023
Next review due: 04/05/2026