Ways To Treat Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Ichthyosis vulgaris is also called the fish skin disease because of the way it makes the skin look and feel. It is caused by an overgrowth of dead skin cells that create thick, dry scales on the skin. It usually shows up in early childhood, but it can present itself as soon as the baby is born. Many times, the disorder is mistaken for dry skin, but it progressively gets worse. Cases of ichthyosis vulgaris can range from mild, with no unusual physical appearance, to severe, where it covers the majority of the body and can be recognized by others as abnormal. Even though ichthyosis vulgaris begins very early, it can get better as individual ages, but reoccurrences may appear when they get older. While this condition is generally manageable, it can cause embarrassment for those afflicted and has secondary conditions associated with it.

Thankfully, there are options for treating ichthyosis vulgaris. Learn about them now.

Oral Medication

There is an oral medication doctors will prescribe to treat ichthyosis vulgaris, but it comes with risks for women who are pregnant or looking to become pregnant, as it can result in congenital defects. One of the medications the doctor might try is a vitamin A-derived pill. The pill will not be able to cure ichthyosis vulgaris, but it will help control some of the symptoms. As with most medications, vitamin A-derived medications have side effects that can cause hair loss, eye inflammation, lip inflammation, and bone spurs. So it is important to be familiar with these side effects because patients might need additional medications or products to combat them. However, it is worth giving the medication a chance to see if it can help with symptoms associated with ichthyosis vulgaris. But, if patients decide to try to find a remedy, like a supplement, they need to make sure to talk to a doctor about it. Keeping one's doctor informed is very important.

Uncover details on the next option for treating ichthyosis vulgaris now.

Prescription Ointment

Since patients are dealing with a skin condition that results in dry skin, it is only logical to try ointments. Some prescription ointments can help control the scaling linked to ichthyosis vulgaris. They contain alpha hydroxy acids and can help add moisture to the skin. When patients use ointment or lotion, they can increase their skin's hydration, help reduce any splitting or cracking, and help keep additional scaling at bay. There are many lotions and some ointments are medicinal. Using these products can help patients manage ichthyosis vulgaris and hopefully prevent it from becoming worse. However, they will continually have to keep up with the treatment, because otherwise, the skin can revert to the scaly, irritated state. Using a moisturizing lotion or medication can create good habits that will keep the skin healthy, even if the condition retreats in adulthood. It is always best to be cognizant of the condition and the impact ointments will have on the skin.

Learn more about how to treat ichthyosis vulgaris effectively now.