Scaly Skin (Ichthyosis Vulgaris):
Teen information

The most common locations for ichthyosis vulgaris include:

• Fronts (extensor surfaces) of the legs
• Backs (extensor surfaces) of the arms
• Scalp
• Back
• Forehead and cheeks, especially in younger children

The scales of ichthyosis vulgaris range in size from 1–10 mm and in color from white to gray to brown, with darker-skinned people often having darker scales. The legs are usually affected more than the arms. The creases on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are prominent and often crack during dry or cold weather. However, the scaling tends to improve in more humid or warmer weather.

The following areas tend NOT to be affected:

• Face
• Front of the neck
• Abdomen
• Folds in front of the elbows (flexural surfaces of the arms)
• Folds behind the knees (flexural surfaces of the legs)

Hereditary ichthyosis and acquired ichthyosis look similar, and both are usually itchy. However, the acquired form occurs in people with many internal conditions, including:

• Poor nutrition
• Infections, such as leprosy or HIV/AIDS
• Glandular diseases, such as thyroid or parathyroid problems
• Sarcoidosis
• Cancer, such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma
• Use of certain medications, such as nicotinic acid, cimetidine, and clofazimine