Medicine has identified a separate group of diseases, 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 like a fish scale. This disease is hereditary and can manifest itself at any age of a person, regardless of race, gender and social status. Ichthyosis can be expressed weakly and not cause special problems to the patient, but it can be aggressive and even lead to death. Skin ichthyosis and ichthyosis-like diseases have many types and, unfortunately, are quite common and difficult to treat. Many leading medical laboratories are working to somehow curb the pathology and make life easier for patients.
What is ichthyosis
The pathological formation of the stratum corneum of the skin is ichthyosis. The reasons for its occurrence are due to 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, panic when identifying similar symptoms in yourself is not worth it. Only a specialist can identify the true disease, and most skin diseases similar to it can be successfully cured. Ichthyosis of the skin and ichthyosis-like diseases have many types, but medicine officially divides them into several main groups. More details about each of them are given below.
Common 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 under 3 months of age.
The disease behaves most aggressively during puberty of the patient, and this is approximately 10 years of age. As soon as the human hormonal background is stabilized, improvements in the condition of the skin come. Some relief comes in the summer seasons, but with a cold snap the disease begins to progress. Boys and girls with equal chances may develop this disease. Ichthyosis is usually transmitted from the carrier (one of the parents) to the child. The disease haunts the patient throughout life, the condition can improve and worsen.
Symptoms of vulgar ichthyosis
Vulgar ichthyosis received this name due to the fact that he, as it were, puts on display. The disease affects the skin of the face, cheeks, forehead and lip contours especially. The skin is covered with small whitish scales, clearly distinguishable by the eye. Their appearance and shape resembles wheat bran, because often such ichthyosis of the skin is called "pityriasis versicolor". 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 does not cause him much concern.
The face is only the initial location, over time, peeling passes completely, but other parts of the body are already affected. Often these are knee and elbow bends, sides and lower back, sometimes ankles. Such ichthyosis does not affect, in contrast to other species, the inguinal zone and places with large skin folds. According to the nature of the course of the disease and the size and shape of the scales, ordinary ichthyosis of the skin is divided into several types: simple ichthyosis, xeroderma, serpentine, needle, black and shiny (pearly) ichthyosis.
Related problems
Young children and adolescents tolerate ichthyosis much worse. The reasons are violations of the organs and systems of the body.
- The child slowly grows and gains weight, looks angular, deviations in mental development are possible.
- The sebum secretion and perspiration increase, as a result - the hair structure is disturbed, they can fall out. Nail plates become dull, thin, and brittle.
- Immunity weakens, and therefore children often suffer from viral and inflammatory diseases.
- Metabolism and thyroid function, hormonal metabolism are disturbed.
- Cholesterol rises in the blood, which subsequently can lead to diseases of the heart and vascular system.
- Develops "night blindness" - a condition in which people do not distinguish objects in the dark.
All these problems are especially apparent in the winter season. Particular attention should be paid to proper nutrition and hygiene. Useful walks in the fresh air and sunbathing.
Recessive ichthyosis
The disease ichthyosis in a recessive form is expressed in a stronger manifestation of peeling of the skin throughout the body and is linked by gender: only males suffer from this form. Girls rarely get sick, but they are carriers. Becoming mothers, they pass the disease on to their sons, who then pass on the hereditary chromosome to their daughters. This can go on ad infinitum.
For a girl, a disease of a recessive form can end fatally. Such cases are rare and can happen only if both her parents were infected, then they will transfer the pathological X-chromosome to their daughter. The disease is very severe, such girls rarely survive.
Symptoms in a recessive form
Very often the scalp is affected, the hair is thinning, falling out, complete baldness may occur. The scales are larger and denser, in contrast to the vulgar form, have a darker shade. Patients suffer from organ malfunctions. Disorders of the skeletal system and mental development may develop, the cornea of the eyes becomes cloudy, and cases of epilepsy are common.
Severe congenital ichthyosis
Congenital ichthyosis - the most complex pathology, can occur in mild or severe form. The survival rate is very small, children die a few hours after birth. In rare cases, the child is saved. The disease is modified into other forms, into erythroderma, for example. In extremely rare cases, which can rightfully be called a miracle, the disease completely recedes with age and never bothers a person.
Severe Symptoms
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 child is completely changed and resembles a shell that gives cracks, and blood oozes from them.
At a time when the development of the skin of the child is impaired, the remaining organs, tissues and mucous membranes continue to develop normally. The skin is not elastic, it holds and turns attached tissue out. The face and the whole body of the child are severely deformed and take an unnatural appearance.
The cause of high mortality in newborns is due to the fact that keratinized tissue grows and pulls or completely clogs vital organs. A newborn cannot breathe and eat food, internal organs have malformations, an infection joins. Such children are also called “Harlequins”, and the disease is called “Harlequin symptom”.
Mild congenital ichthyosis
If congenital ichthyosis develops in a mild (benign) form, then the baby gets a chance at life. Keratinized tissue does not grow as much as in severe form. Internal organs, even if they are deformed, are able to carry out their vital function.
Mild symptoms
Ichthyosis in children can affect the entire skin or only certain areas. In such places, the skin turns red, swollen seals are felt under it, especially in places where skin folds are located. Pathological areas on the face can disfigure the appearance by twisting the eyelids or the area of the mouth and nose. But such children have chances of survival.
Ichthyosis in a "brilliant" form
Such skin ichthyosis is sometimes confused with hair loss. It appears in areas where the skin is bent (knee, elbow joints). The foci are strewn with small nodules, which are covered on top with large shiny scales of purple color.
Prevention
Ichthyosis is a skin disease that cannot be prevented, but the birth of children with a pathology can be predicted. Many family planning centers have emerged to provide genetic counseling. Specialists will take into account all indicators, especially if a 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 give recommendations on the future planning of the child. If the risks are high, such a couple may be advised to refuse to give birth to a baby. But be that as it may, the decision will depend solely on the spouses.
Severe ichthyosis is a terrible disease. The mortality rate of newborns is almost 100%. Even if the baby manages to survive, it is unlikely that his standard of living can be called comfortable. Such a child will not be able to develop normally. He will be susceptible to many concomitant diseases, each movement will cause suffering from pain. Married couples should show responsibility and not neglect the recommendations of specialists.
Treatment
Have you been diagnosed with ichthyosis? How to treat this disease? Dermatologists, geneticists and infectious disease specialists are involved in the treatment and control of the course of the disease. Unfortunately, the disease belongs to genetic diseases, and it is impossible to completely get rid of it. Medicine can only maintain the patient's quality of life at the proper level and in every way prevent the occurrence of infections. Creams and ointments that will soften and disinfect affected areas of the skin, patients will be forced to use throughout their lives.
The disease ichthyosis is also complex in psychological terms. You may need the help of a psychologist, and the support of loved ones is extremely important. Rejection by society can oppress an already difficult state of a person. Children must 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. Nutrition must be complete. Take sun baths, but be sure to avoid sunburn and overheating. Showing bathing in sea water or baths with sea salt. You should adhere to a healthy lifestyle and, at the slightest disease, seek medical help. The smallest infection that gets into a weakened body can rapidly develop into a disease resistant with complications.
Alternative methods of treating ichthyosis
Traditional healers give a lot of advice for those who suffer from scaly skin. They are all different and are aimed at at least somehow alleviating the course of the disease and reduce discomfort. However, remember to follow the advice of people with a dubious attitude to medicine, should be careful. If the grandmother on the market will annoyingly palm off on you the drug “from the sore ichthyosis 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, these are teas and baths on decoctions of herbs. There are recipes for homemade ointments that are aimed at moisturizing, disinfecting and nourishing the skin. All of them consist of natural ingredients, and it’s easy to cook them at home. Perhaps you will find some effective and simple recipes for yourself.
Genetics and laboratories in many countries are working on finding a cure for people with genetic diseases. It is hoped that a panacea will be found soon, and we will be able to permanently rid humanity of such an unpleasant and even terrible disease.