Living With Ichthyosis | HealDove
What Is Ichthyosis? For those who don't know what Ichthyosis is, I will begin this article with a definition from FIRST (Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types ): "Ichthyosis is a family of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, scaling skin that may be thickened or very thin. The prefix "ichthy" is taken from the Greek root for the word fish. Each year, more than 16,000 babies are born with some form of ichthyosis. Ichthyosis affects people of all ages, races and gender. The disease usually presents at birth, or within the first year, and continues to affect the patient throughout their lifetime." I myself was diagnosed when I was 6 years old, and as annoying as it is being compared to a snake, fish, or any other creepy amphibious being, that is the right term to describe it. That aside, Ichthyosis—even mild types like Ichthyosis Vulgaris—are hard to manage and control. I am going to tell you how I manage my Ichthyosis and hope that it helps o...