Q: What is ichthyosis?   A: The ichthyoses are a family of genetic skin diseases characterized by dry, thickened, scaling skin.

Q: Is it contagious?   A: Ichthyosis is definitely not contagious. It is not caused by a bacteria, virus, or germs, and thus it cannot be passed from one person to another.

Q: How many types of ichthyosis are there?   A: Dermatologists estimate that there are at least twenty-eight varieties of ichthyosis, with a wide range of severity and associated symptoms.

Q: Is there a cure?   A: Treatments for ichthyosis are exactly that - treatments, not cures. As yet, there is no cure for ichthyosis.

Q: How many people are affected?   A: Most varieties of ichthyosis affect only one person in several tens of thousands. Ichthyosis Vulgaris, sometimes called common ichthyosis (vulgar means common in Latin), is the exception. It appears in approximately one person in every 250. Ichthyosis occurs worldwide and affects people of all races.

Q: What causes it?   A: The term "ichthyosis" refers to a group of disorders caused by a genetic defect which may have been spontaneous (due to a mutation of a gene) or passed on through family inheritance. The skin's natural shedding process is slowed or inhibited and, in some forms of ichthyosis, the production of skin cells is too rapid.

Q: How is it treated?   A: In general, the goal in taking care of ichthyosis is to hydrate (moisturize) the skin, hold in the moisture, and keep scale thickness to a minimum.

Q: Is it always present at birth?   A: It is present at conception, though in some cases the symptoms do not become apparent until sometime during the first year of a child's life; in other instances it is obvious at birth that something is wrong with the baby's skin.

Q: Is genetic testing available?   A: Yes. Perhaps you or a family member have a diagnosis and are looking for answers to questions like, "What type of ichthyosis do I have?" or "What are the chances that I will pass ichthyosis on to my child?" Contact the Foundation for available testing resources.

Q: What is genetic testing?   A: Genetic tests involve an examination and analysis of the person's DNA.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of ichthyosis?   A: These vary amongst the different types of ichthyosis. However, they all show the characteristic dry, rough, scaly skin.

Q: What are some of the problems associated with ichthyosis?   A: These may vary depending on the type of ichthyosis. Some people with ichthyosis may experience some or all of the following: Overheating: Many idividuals with ichthyosis, do not sweat normally. The thickness of their skin and the scale does not allow their sweat to reach the surface of their skin and cool them effectively. Limitations in movement: The tightness of the skin may make it painful to move some parts of the body. Secondary infection: Splitting and cracking of the skin can lead to skin infections and/or systemic infections. Impaired eyesight or hearing: Skin build up over the eyes or ears may occur.