Ichthyosis. Continual scaling of the skin
Icthyosis is a term used to describe the continual scaling of the skin, due to an abnormality in the epidermis – the outermost part of the skin. It is rare and can be inherited (genetic or congenital) or develop later in life (acquired).
The inherited forms of icthyoses are usually evident at, or soon after, birth and they tend to persist throughout life, although some types may improve slightly with age.
Icthyosis can vary in severity – from mild scaling affecting some parts of the body, to severe plate-like scales affecting the whole body. In some forms of the condition, the skin is very inflamed, red and itchy and, in another, it blisters.