Bullous ichthyosis, also known as congenital ichthyosis, is a genetic skin disease. It is more frequent in children of parents with close kinship, in which the baby has a high dryness of the skin, especially in the region of the trunk, legs and feet, which looks like a fish scale. Ichthyosis may or may not have blisters, and the most common form of the disease may decrease in intensity over time.
Symptoms of Bullous Ichthyosis
One of the biggest problems of this disease is the risk of infection, as the skin does not fulfill its role of protecting the body against invading agents, facilitating its entry. In addition, the skin becomes very dry and there is an increase in dehydration, especially in newborns.
In the most severe form of the disease, the skin becomes so dry that it hinders the respiratory movements, which may lead the baby to have shortness of breath and to a respiratory arrest. These babies must be taken to the Neonatal ICU as soon as they are born, for the necessary care.
Treatment for Bullous Ichthyosis
Treatment for this disease includes using large amounts of moisturizers, using a special soap and shampoo to really disinfect the skin, decreasing the risk of infections, and a high calorie diet.
There is no drug that can cure the disease, and many patients die from infections in childhood.
