Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Synonyms

• ichthyosis simplex

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

In ichthyosis vulgaris, the skin cells are produced at a normal rate, but they do not shed normally at the surface of the outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) and are not shed as quickly as they should be. The result is a build-up of scale. Fine scales usually develop on the back and over muscles near the joints, such as an elbow or knee (extensor muscles). Ichthyosis is usually most common and severe over the lower legs.

Resources

Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types
1364 Welsh Road G2
North Wales, PA 19454
Tel: (215)619-0670
Fax: (215)619-0780
Tel: (800)545-3286
Email: info@scalyskin.org
Internet: http://www.scalyskin.org

NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
USA
Tel: 3014954484
Fax: 3017186366
Tel: 8772264267
TDD: 3015652966
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niams.nih.gov

National Registry for Ichthyosis and Related Disorders
University of Washington
Dermatology Department, Box 356524
1959 N.E. Pacific
Seattle, WA 98195-6524
Tel: (206)616-3179
Fax: (206)616-6793
Tel: (800)595-1265
Email: ichreg@u.washington.edu
Internet: http://www.skinregistry.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 8/18/2005
Copyright 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.