Understanding And Treating Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin disorder that can result in itchy and dry skin that looks rough, patchy and red. The symptoms of the condition can range from mild to severe. Skincare experts in our affordable health clinic and low income clinics share the details of Ichthyosis and the ways to treat it. Read ahead to know.

Diagnosing Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Ichthyosis vulgaris is frequently identified by a dermatologist by examining a patient’s skin. Your dermatologist will also ask a few questions in order to make the diagnosis. Some of these questions are:
 Do any of your (your child’s) blood relatives share this skin condition?
 How old was your child or you when the skin issue started?
 Do you (or your child) suffer from any additional skin issues?
 What prescription drugs and dietary supplements are you (or your child) taking?

Treating Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Inherited ichthyosis vulgaris is incurable. The goal of treatment will be to get rid of the scale and dry skin. To achieve this, a treatment plan might require you to:
 Bath as often as recommended. Your skin will become more hydrated and scale-free after a bath.
 Your dermatologist might advise using petroleum jelly or other lotion to any open sores you have before getting into the water. This can lessen the stinging and burning that the water causes.
 Some patients claim that adding salt to the water (either sea salt or table salt) can help lessen the burning and stinging.
 Reduce the scale while bathing. The scale will be softer after soaking in water. Your dermatologist could advise you to use an abrasive sponge, buff puff, or pumice stone to gently rub the scale off while it’s still soft.
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 Moisturize the skin immediately after bathing. Using a moisturizer can help seal water from a bath or shower into your skin. A moisturizer with an active substance like urea, alpha hydroxyl acid, or lactic acid may be suggested by your dermatologist. Scale reduction can also be aided by these and other active components.
 Apply petroleum jelly to the deep cracks. Deep cracks may be eliminated with the aid of this.
 Take care of a skin infection. Your dermatologist will prescribe medication for you to ingest or apply topically if you develop a skin infection. Your dermatologist might suggest adding a little amount of bleach to your bath if you frequently have skin infections. This procedure, sometimes known as bleach bath therapy, can help decrease skin bacteria. Use bleach bath therapy only if your dermatologist advises it.