The skin is the largest organ
of the human body. Many people tend to forget or don't realise this fact. If the
skin fails to function properly, then this can result in various
other health problems.
Ichthyosis - pronounced
ICK-THEE-YOSIS - is a very rare genetic skin disorder distinguished by scaling
of the skin. Ichthyosis in most cases covers the whole body and most types of
the condition are present at birth. There are many different types of Ichthyosis which vary in
severity, here are just some of the different types:
-
Lamellar
-
Vulgaris
-
X-Linked
-
Bullous (EHK - Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis)
Basic
facts/characteristics of Ichthyosis include:
* Distingushed by red, scaly,
fragile skin and in some cases blisters.
* Ichthyosis can cause high
metabolism due to a lack of a specific protein in the skin.
* Inability to regulate body
temperature, thus not able to sweat properly.
* The skin isn't waterproof due
to the lack of a specific protein.
* The skin cracks, breaks and
tears very easily leaving it vulnerable to infection. Many describe the skin of
Ichthyosis as resembling tissue paper. The skin can also be very
tight.
* Ichthyosis can cause other
health implications dependant on type of Ichthyosis and severity, such as
sight loss due to ectropian and hearing problems due to build up of skin in
ears.
* The skin on the joints is very
thick which restricts mobility.
* Ichthyosis can have a
psychological and emotional impact on sufferers and families of sufferers.
Sufferers are subject to bullying, ridicule, stares and
discrimination.
* Ichthyosis is a serious,
incurable, lifelong condition, and in some cases life threatening
* Ichthyosis is genetic thus NOT
contageous.
* There is no cure for
Ichthyosis only treatments. These treatments consist of labourious routines of
bathing regularly and frequently applying creams, lotions etc and in some cases
dressings and bandages.
* Due to the excessive amount of
creams required for the treatment of Ichthyosis, extra clothing and laundry is
needed as the creams etc cling to the clothing and can be very difficult to wash
out. Also washing machines are often needed to be replaced due to wear and tear
from the constant laundry that needs to be done, and the need for replacing
machines is required as the creams etc that are on the clothing can damage the
rubber seal on the door of the machine.
* The skin of an Ichthyosis
sufferer sheds rapidly. What a person with 'ordinary' skin sheds in 2 weeks,
those with Ichthyosis will shed the equivalent of in just one night.
** Further and more
in-depth information can be found by following the links below or following the
links on the links page.
Dermnet.nz (*this link also includes photographs of
Ichthyosis*)
No comments:
Post a Comment