A Rare Case of Hereditary Ichthyosis: Case Report

Document Type

Case Report

Department

Medical College (East Africa); Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)

Abstract

Hereditary ichthyosis is a group of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, scaly skin. These conditions vary widely in severity and are often classified based on genetic and clinical features. We report a case of a 17-year-old African male who has had dry and scaly skin since birth, progressively worsening with itching, scaling, and ulcerations despite having no family history of similar skin conditions. Clinical examination revealed extensive hyperkeratotic plaques characterized by significant thickening of the stratum corneum, rough, dry scaly skin with lichenification, indicating chronic rubbing or scratching. There were areas of erythema and fissuring within the hyperkeratotic regions along with secondary bacterial infection and changes in skin tone affecting his entire skin while sparing only the palms, soles, and face. A diagnosis of hereditary ichthyosis was made based on these clinical findings, supported by a skin biopsy showing benign acanthomatous features. Treatment included the use of emollients, keratolytic agents, and retinoids to alleviate symptoms. Regular follow-up appointments were scheduled to monitor progress and adjust treatment whenever necessary, resulting in significant improvement over time. This case highlights the importance of thoroug

Publication (Name of Journal)

International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research

DOI

https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i04.25650

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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