Medicine has singled out a separate group of diseases, which is caused by changes in the surface layer of the skin at the genetic level. As a result of violations, the skin undergoes certain changes and becomes similar to fish scales. This disease is hereditary and can manifest itself at any age of a person, regardless of race, gender and social status. Ichthyosis can be mild and not cause the patient any special problems, or it can be aggressive and even lead to death. Ichthyosis of the skin 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 pathology and make life easier for patients.
What is ichthyosis
Pathological formation of the stratum corneum of the skin - ichthyosis. The causes of 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, it is not worth panicking when identifying similar symptoms in yourself. The true disease can only be detected by a specialist, and most similar skindiseases are successfully cured. Ichthyosis of the skin and ichthyosis-like diseases have many types, but medicine officially divides them into several main groups. More about each of them - below.
Common ichthyosis
It is also called ichthyosis vulgaris, it is one of the most common types. The disease appears at an early age, but, unlike other forms, does not affect children under 3 months of age.
The disease is most aggressive during the patient's puberty, which is approximately 10 years of age. As soon as the hormonal background of a person stabilizes, improvements occur 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 are equally likely to develop this condition. 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 ichthyosis vulgaris
Ichthyosis vulgaris got its name from the fact that it kind of flaunts itself. The disease affects the skin of the face, cheeks, forehead and lips especially. The skin is covered with small whitish scales, clearly visible to the eye. Their appearance and shape resembles wheat bran, which is why such skin ichthyosis is often called "deprive pityriasis." The 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 adultpatient and does not cause him much concern.
The face is only the initial location, over time, the peeling disappears 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, unlike 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 skin ichthyosis is divided into several types: simple ichthyosis, xeroderma, serpentine, needle, black and shiny (pearl) ichthyosis.
Associated Issues
Young children and teenagers are much worse off with ichthyosis. The reasons are violations of the organs and systems of the body.
- Child grows slowly and gains weight, looks angular, may have mental retardation.
- The secretion of sebum and sweating increase, as a result - the structure of the hair is disturbed, they may fall out. Nail plates become dull, thin and brittle.
- Immunity weakens, and therefore children often get sick with viral and inflammatory diseases.
- Metabolism and the work of the thyroid gland, hormonal metabolism are disturbed.
- Cholesterol rises in the blood, which can subsequently lead to diseases of the heart and vascular system.
- Develops "night blindness" - a condition in which people have difficulty distinguishing objects in the dark.
All these problems are especially evident in the winter season. Particular attention should be paidattention to proper nutrition and hygiene. Walking in the fresh air and sunbathing are useful.
Common ichthyosis in recessive form
Ichthyosis disease in the recessive form is expressed in a stronger manifestation of skin peeling throughout the body and is gender-linked: only males suffer from this form. Girls rarely get sick, but they are carriers. When they become mothers, they pass the disease on to their sons, who then pass on the hereditary chromosome to their daughters. This can go on forever.
For a girl, a disease with a recessive form can be fatal. Such cases are rare and can only occur if both of her parents were infected, then they will pass on the abnormal X chromosome to their daughter. The disease is very severe, such girls rarely survive.
Symptoms in the recessive form
Very often the scalp is affected, the hair becomes thinner, falls out, complete baldness can occur. The scales are larger and denser, in contrast to the vulgar form, have a darker shade. Patients suffer from organ dysfunction. Violations of the skeletal system and mental development may develop, the cornea of the eyes becomes cloudy, cases of epilepsy are not uncommon.
Severe congenital ichthyosis
Congenital ichthyosis is the most complex pathology, it can be mild or severe. The survival rate is very low, children die within a few hours after birth. In rare cases, the child succeedssave. The disease is modified into other forms, into erythroderma, for example. In extremely rare cases, which can rightly be called a miracle, the disease completely recedes with age and never bothers a person again.
Severe symptoms
Congenital ichthyosis in children is manifested in a number of disorders and malformations. Such children are born prematurely, with low birth weight. The skin of the child is completely changed and resembles a shell, which gives cracks, and blood oozes from them.
At a time when the development of the child's skin is disturbed, the rest of the organs, tissues and mucous membranes continue to develop normally. The skin is not elastic, it holds and turns the attached tissues outward. The face and whole body of the child are severely deformed and take on an unnatural appearance.
The cause of high mortality in newborns is due to the fact that keratinized tissue grows and constricts or completely clogs vital organs. The newborn cannot breathe and eat, the internal organs have malformations, an infection joins. Such children are also called "Harlequins", and the disease is a "symptom of Harlequin".
Mild congenital ichthyosis
If congenital ichthyosis develops in a mild (benign) form, then the baby gets a chance for life. The keratinized tissue does not grow as much as in a severe form. The internal organs, even if they are deformed, are able to carry out their vital function.
Mild symptoms
Ichthyosis in children can affectthe entire skin or only certain areas. In such places, the skin turns red, edematous seals are felt under it, especially in places where skin folds are located. Pathological areas on the face can disfigure the appearance, twisting the eyelids or the mouth and nose area. But these children have a chance of survival.
Ichthyosis in a "brilliant" form
Such ichthyosis of the skin is sometimes confused with hair loss. It appears in areas where the skin is bent (knee, elbow joints). The lesions are strewn with small nodules, which are covered on top with large shiny purple scales.
Prevention
Ichthyosis is a skin disease that cannot be prevented, but it is possible to predict the birth of children with pathology. Many family planning centers have sprung up offering genetic counseling. Specialists will take into account all the indicators, especially if a young couple or their relatives had cases of ichthyosis. Geneticists will compare the mechanisms and risks of the possible development of a severe form of pathology in the fetus and give recommendations regarding the future planning of the child. If the risks are high, such a couple may be advised to refuse to have a baby. But be that as it may, the decision will depend solely on the spouses.
Ichthyosis disease in severe form is a very terrible disease. Mortality 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 subject to many concomitantdiseases, every 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 engaged 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 possible way prevent the occurrence of infections. Creams and ointments that will soften and disinfect the affected areas of the skin, patients will be forced to use throughout their lives.
Ichthyosis disease is also complex psychologically. 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 need to interact with their peers. It is important to explain to children that this disease is not contagious and is not dangerous for them.
Immunity should be maintained. Food must be complete. Sunbathe, but be sure to avoid sunburn and overheating. Bathing in sea water or sea s alt baths are shown. You should adhere to a he althy lifestyle and, with the slightest illness, seek help from doctors. The slightest infection that enters a weakened body can rapidly develop into a disease that is stable with complications.
Folk treatments for ichthyosis
Traditional healers give a lot of advice for those who suffer from scaly skin. All of them are different and are aimed at somehow alleviating the course of the disease and reducing discomfort. However, remember to follow the advice of people who have a dubious attitude to medicine, should be done with caution. If a grandmother in the market will importunately slip you a drug "from the sore Schleiman's ichthyosis", which does not exist in nature, then it is better to stay away from such an "intern". But in traditional medicine there are really worthwhile recommendations. Basically, these are teas and herbal decoction baths. There are also recipes for homemade ointments that are aimed at moisturizing, disinfecting and nourishing the skin. They are all made from natural ingredients and are easy to make 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 suffering from genetic diseases. It remains to be hoped that a panacea will soon be found, and we will be able to save humanity forever from such an unpleasant and even terrible disease.
