skin disorders
Ichthyosis
Treatment of Ichthyosis
For any ichthyosis, moisturizers For inherited ichthyosis, certain medications For acquired ichthyoses, treatment of cause For possible infection, antibiotics Moisturizersare used to treat any form of ichthyosis. Ones that contain petroleum jelly,mineral oil, salicylic or lactic acid,ammonium lactate, ceramides,dexpanthenol, orureashould be applied immediately after bathing while the skin is still wet. Excess moisturizer can be removed by blotting with a towel. To help remove the scales, adults can apply a solution of propylene glycol in water to the affected areas after bathing. The areas are then covered with a thin plastic film or bag overnight. The solution can be applied to children twice a day, but no film or bag is used. Forinherited ichthyosis,creams or pills containing substances related tovitamin A(retinoids), such astretinoincream, oralisotretinoin, or oralacitretin, help the skin shed the excessive scales. Foracquired ichthyosis,the underlying disorder is treated or the medication causing the ichthyosis is stopped. People who are at risk of bacterial infection may be given antibiotics by mouth. 