Frequent Questions

It is a rare disease that affects the skin and whose most characteristic feature is desquamation and dryness. Click here to see all the information.

Yes, currently 36 types of ichthyosis have been cataloged, although the most common are the lamellar, erythroderma, epidermolytic, vulgar, X-linked and Netherton syndrome varieties. Click here to see all the information.

Yes and no. The different types of ichthyosis share a large number of characteristics, but each has traits that make them unique. You can know all of them in detail here.

No, there is currently no cure for this disease. What are known are treatments that help reduce the symptoms of this disease.

Treatment varies with the type of ichthyosis and even with each person. There are oral and topical. The “creams project” developed by the Spanish Ichthyosis Association addresses this issue by offering a good number of alternatives and indicating which are the most used by those affected by the different types of ichthyosis. But any treatment must be consulted with a dermatologist and involves a follow-up, especially at the beginning.

Generally yes. Damaged skin from ichthyosis can experience mild, moderate itching, and even depending on the cases, sleep difficulties may appear, especially in cases of children, since they still do not know how to manage that sensation. Poor skin care or high stress levels help itchiness.

Absolutely not, and it is something that we must be very clear about. Ichthyosis is a genetic disease (or sometimes secondarily associated with another pre-existing disease) that can NEVER be spread to others.

This depends on the genetics of the type of ichthyosis. We recommend you to ask your country association for more information.

You’re not alone. Call the ichthyosis association in your country so that they can answer your questions.

We cannot change what happens to us, but we can change how we deal with it. Life does not end in iIchthyosis. Ichthyosis is just one more circumstance in our life. We can have a full life despite ichthyosis.

If we accept Ichthyosis, people will naturally accept it. Call our ichthyosis association to speak with other affected people and families to resolve your doubts and fears.

This varies depending on the sensations and level of affection of each person, so it is usually the affected person who decides the number of daily applications. Generally, over time, the person becomes more aware of when they need it, and its application becomes more and more simple and pleasant. Although the normal thing is that it is a minimum of twice a day.

Generally not, the most normal thing is that in summer there is a temporary improvement of the skin, although high temperatures can cause a feeling of reluctance and fatigue, and even be dangerous if we do not prevent heat stroke by hydrating our skin enough and avoiding direct sun areas. In winter, hyperkeratosis usually worsens.

It depends on the type of ichthyosis, some affected do not sweat at all and others sweat only in certain areas. This is what prevents the correct regulation of body temperature.

Ichthyosis produces a very rapid renewal of the skin, which causes wounds to heal in general faster than people without Ichthyosis.

By keeping the skin covered with the plaster, it will not be possible to wash or exfoliate or hydrate that part, which will mainly itch and will cause the black and thick skin to appear when we remove the plaster, but it will return to normal quickly.

Yes, although they usually do not hit well. In Epidermolytic Ichthyosis it is not advisable to put plasters. It is preferable to use bandages. Call your ichthyosis association to speak with other affected people and families to resolve your doubts and fears.