Treatment:

Your doctor will recommend heavy duty moisturizers. Creams and ointments work better than lotions. Apply these to moist skin immediately after bathing. You should use mild, non-drying soaps.

Your doctor may tell you to use moisturizing creams that contain chemicals that help skin to shed normally, including lactic acid, salicylic acid, and urea.

Expectations (prognosis):

Ichthyosis vulgaris can be a nuisance, but it rarely affects your overall health. The condition usually disappears during adulthood, but may return years later.

Complications:

A bacterial skin infection may develop if scratching causes openings in the skin.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Symptoms continue despite treatment
• Symptoms get worse
• Skin lesions spread
• New symptoms develop