Acquired Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Due to underlying disorder

The skin disorder ichthyosis, when inherited, is a common disorder found in both males and females around the world. When ichthyosis is acquired due to an underlying disorder, though, it is rare; exactly how often it occurs is unknown. Acquired ichthyosis appears most often in adulthood. It may appear before or after the diagnosis of a systemic condition.

Symptoms

Acquired ichthyosis looks the same as hereditary ichthyosis. Typical symptoms are:

• areas of rough, dry skin
• areas of symmetrical scaling of the skin – the scales may be small and fine or large and thick. Dark-skinned individuals often have darker scales. Different types of scaling may be found in different areas on the same individual.
• dry scaly scalp
• overgrowth (hyperkeratosis) of the skin on the palms and soles and sometimes the skin creases may crack during dry weather
• keratosis pilaris (follicular hyperkeratosis) on the side of the neck, back of the upper arms, buttocks and/or thighs

Acquired ichthyosis is associated with various types of cancers:

• Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (including mycosis fungoides), lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer, among others
• sarcoidosis, leprosy, thyroid disease, hyperparathyroidism, nutritional disorders, chronic kidney failure, HIV infection
• may occur after bone marrow transplantation
• autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis

Acquired ichthyosis has also been associated with the use of certain medications, such as niacinamide, Tagamet (cimetidine) and Lamprene (clofazimine).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acquired ichthyosis is usually based upon the skin symptoms present. In addition, a skin sample (biopsy) will be taken and examined under a microscope for changes characteristic of the disorder. If acquired ichthyosis appears before a systemic disease is diagnosed, the individual will be examined further for the presence of an underlying disorder.

Treatment

The severity of acquired ichthyosis usually depends on the underlying condition present. As the systemic condition is treated, the ichthyosis generally improves. The skin affected by ichthyosis is treated by hydration with alpha-hydroxy acid lotions, such as Lac-Hydrin (ammonium lactate). Topical retinoid cream, such as Retin-A (tretinoin), may also be used.

_Source:

"Types of Ichthyosis." About Ichthyosis. Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types. 11 Jul 2008