Description

• Icthyosis (from greek- meaning fish) denotes a group of hereditary and acquired disorders of keratinisation characterized by the development of dry rectangular scales
• They are associated with various diseases, but may also be idiopathic. Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most common type, followed by X-linked ichthyosis

Types

• Icthyosis vulgaris : common autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mild scaling on extensor aspect of the limbs, more than trunks and spares the flexures. Increased palmar markings or frank palmoplantar keratoderma may be associated feature. Onset is after 3 months of age and the scaling gets worse in winter
• X linked recessive Icthyosis :It appears in infancy ad occurs in males. Extensor and flexor aspects of the limbs are involved but spare rhomboidal spaces in body folds
• Lamellar Icthyosis: is a rare form of autosomal recessive disorder which presents at birth as collodion baby (baby is encased in a taut inelastic membrane). The baby later develops large, thick plate like scales all over the body including flexures
• Bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma : inherited as an autosomal dominat trait. At birth the skin is erythematous , moist and tender. Blisters develop at or shortly after birth and later thick dark grey brown scales form warty ridged pattern. Normal appearing area with hyperkeratotic area is a diagnostic sign
• Nonbullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma : It is an autosomal recessive disorder. Most infants born with it are collodion baby. As the membrane is cast
• off, generalized erythema and scaling are apparent. Scales may be large and plate like on the legs but are apt to be fine on the trunk, face and scalp
• Acquired icthyosis : sudden onset of pronounced ichthyoses in an adult could be lymphomas especially Hodgkins lymphoma, internal malignancy, malabsorption syndrome, malnutrition, hypothyroidism etc.

Investigation

• Usually clinical diagnosis is done

Treatments

• Guduchyadi kashaya
• Tiktaka kashaya
• Doosheevishari gutika
• Haridrakanda
• Rajanyadi choorna
• Tiktaka ghrita – Samana matra
• Aragwadha maha tiktaka – samana matra

Procedures

• Shatadhouta ghrita – ext application after bath
• Neeli taila – ext application
• Guduchyadi kashya dhara
• Paranthyadi dhara

Department

Agada Tantra