Ichthyosis is an inherited skin condition. In infancy or early childhood the skin is extremely dry, especially on the hands, and is broken up into diamond-shaped plates that resemble fish scales. Often the skin is darker than normal. Some types of ichthyosis improve considerably during adolescence
What should be done?
There are various ointments, creams and special soaps your physician can recommend to make the skin less dry. Cold weather makes the condition worse, so make sure your child wears warm clothes and, in particular, good protective gloves.
