What is icthyosis?
Icthyosis is a skin disease characterised by dry, flaky, scaly and thick skin. Icthyosis is a genetically inherited skin disorder in which dead skin cells get accumulated on the skin surface. The affected skin appears like that of fish, which is why it is also known as the fish skin disease. The disease starts in early childhood. The intensity of icthyosis varies from mild to severe.
Symptoms of icthyosis
Symptoms of Icthyosis include dry, thick, scaly skin. The scales may be white, brown or greyish in colour. Deep, painful cracks in the skin may also be observed. Icthyosis carries the risk of secondary infection from cracks and splits in the skin. Icthyosis complaint worsens in cold, dry environment. Humid and warm weather brings some relief.
Types of icthyosis
There are various types of icthyosis. These are:
Icthyosis vulgaris – The most common and mild form of icthyosis is icthyosis vulgaris. It is characterised by mild scaling and dryness of skin.
X-linked icthyosis – This type of icthyosis arises due to deficiency of steroid sulfatase enzyme and most commonly affects men. The scaliness is more prominent on the neck, trunk and lower limbs in this type.
Harlequin-type icthyosis – This is an extremely rare, but severe type of icthyosis that needs intensive care at birth. Babies born with Harlequin-type icthyosis have thick plates of skin separated with deep cracks. The deep cracks in the skin put these babies at risk of fatal infections.
Lamellar icthyosis – A rare skin disorder in which the babies are born with a shiny, waxy outer layer of skin. During the first few weeks, this layer dries and peels off revealing the scaliness on the skin.
Icthyosis hystrix – This is characterised by intense hyperkeratosis (thickening of the outermost layer of skin epidermis) and appears like spiny scales.
Homeopathic Medicines for Icthyosis
Homeopathic medicines have always shown the most excellent results in skin complaints. Homeopathy offers the most effective treatment for icthyosis as well.
Homeopathic medicines control dryness and scaliness of the skin in icthyosis. There are several advantages of using Homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines follow a curative approach to icthyosis and do not suppress symptoms. They take a mild, safe and gentle approach to treating icthyosis. Homeopathic medicines are made from natural substances and are, hence, free from adverse side effects.
Top rated among the wide range of Homeopathic medicines for treating icthyosis are Arsenic Iodatum, Hydrocotyle Asiatica, Petroleum, Kali Sulphuricum and Sepia Succus. The most appropriate Homeopathic medicine is selected after a detailed study and analysis of clinical and constitutional symptoms. Homeopathic medicine Arsenic Iodatum is best suited for icthyosis with marked exfoliation of large scales from the skin that leave behind a raw surface. Homeopathic medicine Hydrocotyle Asiatica is indicated for icthyosis with great thickening of skin and exfoliation of scales. Petroleum is most useful for icthyosis where the skin is rough, dry and thick, with the presence of cracks. Homeopathic medicine Kali Sulph is the best prescription for icthyosis with dry, flaky skin with prominent, yellow scales. In icthyosis cases attended with offensive skin odour, Homeopathic medicine Sepia Succus is prescribed.
