How to manage Ichthyosis Vulgaris in teenage boys? – Dr. Nischal K

Icthyosis vulgaris is a genetic condition where the skin sheds, this is what people call as a snake-like skin. It tends to flake out, it tends to fissure. Because of that people can get sometimes cuts on the skin. It gets aggravated when the climate is cold, when there is less humidity. If the moisturizers are not applied to the skin property and if people are suing harsh soaps and cleansers for taking bath. Since this is genetic, this can start very early in age and can continue for a long time. With age it improves but when the person has any associated conditions like thyroid, or diabetes, these drying conditions are aggravated. Pharmacological management of Icthyosis vulgaris relies on skin proliferation and keratinization. One of the medicines used is acitretin. However it cannot be started for all like a vitamin tablet. People have to investigate their blood triglyceride levels, the liver function tests and to assess the severity of Ichthyosis. If the Icthyosis vulgaris is mild, it comes on a control with regular application with oil before bath using a mild cleanser or a body wash for taking a bath and putting lot o ,moisturizers in severe conditions we can also that people with oral ceramides. These are like internal moisturizing like agents which help in maintaining the skin softness and moister. So a pharmacological treatment always lies with a dermatologist.