Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Ichthyosis is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synoyms

Disorder of Conification
DOC

Disorder Subdivision

None

General Discussion

Ichthyosis is a general term describing a group of skin disorders that are characterized by an excessive accumulation of large amounts of dead skin cells (squames) in the top layer of the skin. The conversion of an abnormally large number of skin cells into squamous cells is thought to be caused by a defect in the metabolism of skin cells known as "corneocytes," or of the fat-rich matrix around these cells. The cells can be thought of as bricks, while the matrix would be the mortar holding these cells together. In general, all forms of Ichthyosis cause dry scaly skin.