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I would go to a dermatologist to check it out more thoroughly. They could do a skin biopsy to isolate the exact kind of ichthyosis you might have. If it has been fairly mild all your life (very dry skin), you might have ichthyosis vulgaris - which is the most common form. It occurs anywhere from 1:100-250 births. My son has CIE - non-bullous. We only found this out after he had a skin biopsy when he was around 1 year old. His form is very rare - occuring anywhere from 1:100,000 - 200,000 births. It is still a mystery to us as to why he got it, because as far as we know,.... no one in our family line has the disorder. It has been explained, and we possibly suspect that it might have been a bizarre gene mutation that occurred in the womb when he was being formed. It's quite sad and disturbing to think that it might have happened that way. It really makes one wonder,.... He was also born a collodion baby. Here is a picture link to show you what that stage of the condition looks like: http://www.ichthyosis.com/images/gallery/
Dalaney_Day_7_3.jpg We knew he had a more intense/severe form of ichthyosis when he was born, but didn't know exactly which kind (until after the biopsy). There are certain forms of ichthyosis that include the collodion baby stage, and many others just don't. Fortunately, he will never look like that and/or experience that aspect of the condition again. His skin is manageable now, being dry with a little redness and a slightly rough texture. He itches now and then as well due to the dryness. To care for his skin, we just exfoliate well during bath time and use various creams with extra emollients. They have identified approximately 28 different forms of ichthyosis to date - I believe. Good luck,... and please share your own updates if you can on here. Any information is appreciated. Especially when it comes to treatments etc,...... Someday we hope there is a cure,... but for now we will surely take any relief that we can! ;o) Sincerely & best wishes always, Deb |
