Ways To Treat Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Ichthyosis vulgaris is also called the fish skin disease because of the way it makes the skin look and feel. It is caused by an overgrowth of dead skin cells that create thick, dry scales on the skin. It usually shows up in early childhood, but it can present itself as soon as the baby is born. Many times, the disorder is mistaken for dry skin, but it progressively gets worse. Cases of ichthyosis vulgaris can range from mild, with no unusual physical appearance, to severe, where it covers the majority of the body and can be recognized by others as abnormal. Even though ichthyosis vulgaris begins very early, it can get better as individual ages, but reoccurrences may appear when they get older. While this condition is generally manageable, it can cause embarrassment for those afflicted and has secondary conditions associated with it.

Thankfully, there are options for treating ichthyosis vulgaris. Learn about them now.

Oral Medication

There is an oral medication doctors will prescribe to treat ichthyosis vulgaris, but it comes with risks for women who are pregnant or looking to become pregnant, as it can result in congenital defects. One of the medications the doctor might try is a vitamin A-derived pill. The pill will not be able to cure ichthyosis vulgaris, but it will help control some of the symptoms. As with most medications, vitamin A-derived medications have side effects that can cause hair loss, eye inflammation, lip inflammation, and bone spurs. So it is important to be familiar with these side effects because patients might need additional medications or products to combat them. However, it is worth giving the medication a chance to see if it can help with symptoms associated with ichthyosis vulgaris. But, if patients decide to try to find a remedy, like a supplement, they need to make sure to talk to a doctor about it. Keeping one's doctor informed is very important.

Uncover details on the next option for treating ichthyosis vulgaris now.

Prescription Ointment

Since patients are dealing with a skin condition that results in dry skin, it is only logical to try ointments. Some prescription ointments can help control the scaling linked to ichthyosis vulgaris. They contain alpha hydroxy acids and can help add moisture to the skin. When patients use ointment or lotion, they can increase their skin's hydration, help reduce any splitting or cracking, and help keep additional scaling at bay. There are many lotions and some ointments are medicinal. Using these products can help patients manage ichthyosis vulgaris and hopefully prevent it from becoming worse. However, they will continually have to keep up with the treatment, because otherwise, the skin can revert to the scaly, irritated state. Using a moisturizing lotion or medication can create good habits that will keep the skin healthy, even if the condition retreats in adulthood. It is always best to be cognizant of the condition and the impact ointments will have on the skin.

Learn more about how to treat ichthyosis vulgaris effectively now.

Use Bar Soap Instead Of Liquid

It can be important to use bar soap instead of liquid soap to treat ichthyosis vulgaris for several reasons. It is much easier to find bar soap without fragrances, which most liquid soaps contain. If patients have ichthyosis vulgaris, they want to try to remove dead skin to aid in the reduction of the scaly appearance and texture of the skin. Many bar soaps have an exfoliation factor and therefore will help remove some of the dead skin cells. Some bar soaps include glycerin, which is great for sensitive skin and dry skin. This kind of soap will help keep the moisture in the skin and make the skin smoother and less scaly. Individuals can find bar soaps with fewer chemicals and more natural elements to their composition. This may help reduce any irritation by the ingredients in liquid soap.

Get more information on treating ichthyosis vulgaris effectively now.

Take Shorter And Cooler Showers

If ichthyosis vulgaris patients take shorter and cooler showers, they may be able to reduce the severity of their symptoms. Shorter showers will result in less water hitting the skin, which can be important, especially in places where the water is 'hard' and full of minerals. This can cause the skin to dry out, which will make ichthyosis vulgaris symptoms worse. Taking cooler showers will allow the skin to cool down and not get dried out by the heat of the water. If patients take long, hot showers, their symptoms can be made worse, which is the last thing they want to do. This is counter-intuitive of the efforts of keeping the skin moist and scaling to a minimum. So, taking short, cool showers will help manage some of the symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris.

Continue reading to reveal more ichthyosis vulgaris treatments now.

Exfoliate With A Pumice Stone Or Loofah

Individuals with ichthyosis vulgaris may want to exfoliate with a pumice stone or loofa. They can use a variety of soaps on the pumice stone or loofa. However, if using liquid soap, a loofah or pumice stone is the only way to exfoliate the skin. Using a bath puff or washcloth will not exfoliate the dead skin cells. But by using a pumice stone or loofah to exfoliate, individuals will get the benefits of rough fibers that will help remove the dead skin cells. It also stimulates the circulation of blood in the skin. These features will help make skin smoother and healthier, and even though with the condition, the skin will start to overgrow and not shed, exfoliating can help manage the symptoms. Hopefully, ichthyosis vulgaris will get better as patients grow older. However, exfoliation can help them throughout their entire life, so it is a good habit to get into and continue regularly.