[Ichthyosis vulgaris].

Ichthyosis ­ also called fish scale disease ­ is a group of skin diseases, which are characterised by xerosis and scaling. Most commonly, the diseases are genetically inherited, but an acquired type also exists. Ichthyosis vulgaris (IV), is the most common type, affecting 1:250 individuals. Diagnosing IV can be challenging, because its clinical features are subject to great variation, ranging from mild cases with slight xerosis to severe cases with marked scaling and formation of fissures. In this review, IV and its most relevant differential diagnoses, X-linked ichthyosis, autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis and acquired ichthyosis are reviewed.

Treatment of ichthyosis vulgaris with a urea-based emulsion: videodermatoscopy and confocal microscopy evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Ichthyosis vulgaris is a common disorder of keratinization caused by mutations in the filaggrin gene and clinically characterized by variable degree of xerosis. METHODS: Five patients affected by ichthyosis vulgaris and moderate to severe xerosis of the lower limbs, were treated twice daily for 30 days with an emulsion containing 10% urea, ceramides, and natural moisturizing factors (NMF). Evaluation was performed at baseline and at the end of treatment by clinical examination, Visual Analogue Scale to quantify itch, videodermatoscopy (VD), and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). Patients were also asked to provide an acceptability rating of the product based on spreadability, absorbency, odor, pleasantness and ease of application. RESULTS: At the end of treatment the tested urea-based emulsion resulted in a significant clinical improvement of xerosis in all patients. The product determined a remarkable reduction of itch, it was well tolerated and it had a good cosmetic acceptability. VD and RCM objectively confirmed the reduction/disappearance of scales and the improvement/normalization of furrow's size and morphology. CONCLUSIONS: The tested urea-based emulsion represents a valid option for the treatment of xerosis in patients affected by ichthyosis vulgaris. VD and RCM confirmed to be useful non-invasive techniques for the therapeutic monitoring of this condition.

Moisturizing treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris improves dry skin, but has a modest effect on gene expression regardless of FLG genotype.

BACKGROUND: Loss-of-function mutations in FLG (encoding filaggrin) are a predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis (AD) and cause ichthyosis vulgaris (IV). Patients with AD and IV display impaired skin barrier and dry skin, and altered epidermal expression of genes in pro-inflammatory and lipid metabolic pathways are often evident. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of three different moisturizers on skin barrier function and epidermal gene expression in patients with AD/IV in relation to FLG mutation status. METHODS: Patients (n = 43) were classified according to their FLG status: AD with FLG+/+ (n = 14), AD with FLG+/- (n = 14), and AD/IV with FLG-/- (n = 15). Dryness score and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were monitored on volar forearms, and punch biopsies were taken for analysis of gene expression. Measurements were repeated after 4 weeks of treatment with either of two moisturizers on each forearm. RESULTS: Treatment with any of the three moisturizers significantly reduced dryness score and TEWL in the group as a whole. FLG-/- patients displayed the largest reduction in dryness score. Only minute changes occurred in the mRNA expression of 15 selected epidermal genes. CONCLUSIONS: Moisturizing treatment improves dry skin and certain aspects of abnormal skin barrier function, especially in patients with AD/IV and dual FLG mutations, but does not normalize the epidermal gene expression profile.

Efficacy of topical 10% urea-based lotion in patients with ichthyosis vulgaris: a two-center, randomized, controlled, single-blind, right-vs.-left study in comparison with standard glycerol-based emollient cream.

BACKGROUND: Ichthyoses are genetic disorders of keratinization which are uncomfortable due to their conspicuous scaling, itching and cosmetic problems. Ichthyoses can lead to social discrimination and psychological problems. Ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) is the most common form of these geno-dermatoses. IV is a chronic disorder that often requires continuous therapy. Emollient and keratolytic products are the mainstay treatments of IV. It is important that efficient, safe and well tolerated therapies should be available. Direct comparative data regarding efficacy of different emollient products in IV patients are very few. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the keratolytic and moisturizing properties as well as the tolerance of a new urea topical formulation (Ureadin Rx10) when applied to hyperkeratotic and dry skin in patients with (IV) in comparison with a standard emollient cream. METHODS: The study was conducted as a two-center, randomized, controlled, single-blind, intra-patient (right-vs.-left) trial design. A total of 30 patients with IV between 8 and 65 (mean age: 25 years) treated with a 10% urea-based lotion, Ureadin Rx 10 * *Ureadin RX 10 is a registered trade name of ISDIN, Spain. (URx), for 4 weeks or a glycerol-based emollient cream, Dexeryl † †Dexeryl is a registered trade name of Pierre Fabre Dermatologie. (DC), in a right-vs.-left study design. Primary outcome was a 5-point SRRC Index score (evaluating scaling roughness, redness and cracks) evaluated at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. As secondary endpoints patients evaluated also the global efficacy (GE) and global tolerability (GT) scores with the help of a 10 cm visual analogue scale (0 = no efficacy at all/very bad tolerability; 10: excellent efficacy/excellent tolerability). RESULTS: At baseline the mean (SD) SRRC score was 9.5 (1.9) in the URx treated sites and 9.5 (1.9) in the DC treated sites. A total of 27 patients (90%) concluded the study period. Three patients were withdrawn prematurely because of itching and burning sensation after DC application (1 patient) or URx application (2 patients). At week 4, in comparison with baseline values, both treatments were shown to be clinically effective: SRRC significantly (p = 0.0001) decreased to 3.3 (1.8) after URx (a 65% relative reduction) and to 5.7 (2.5) after DC (a 40% relative reduction). SRRC was significantly lower in URx treated regions in comparison with DC both after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment (p = 0.0005). Mean GE score in areas treated with URx was significantly (p = 0.0001) higher than in the areas treated with the DC (8.9 vs.7.3). Both treatments were in general well tolerated. GT score was 8.1 (range 10 to 3) with URx and 8.4 (range 10 to 3) with DC application (p = ns). The two main limitations of this trial are the study design (single blind), and the small sample size which is not adequate for an evaluation of safety. CONCLUSION: Ureadin Rx 10 lotion has shown a greater efficacy on ichthyosis vulgaris in term of reduction of scaling, roughness, redness and cracking in comparison with a glycerol-based emollient cream. Tolerability of the two topical treatments was comparable. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed for the evaluation of safety and tolerability of urea 10% lotion in this clinical setting.

A pilot trial of dermoscopy as a rapid assessment tool in pediatric dermatoses.

Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique to assess skin architecture. A pilot study was conducted using polarized dermoscopy as a tool to monitor the pediatric skin barrier. Ten pediatric patients (age range, 1-14 years) with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD), ichthyosis vulgaris (IV), and/or keratosis pilaris (KP) participated in a 4-week clinical trial. After a week of emollient usage alone, a mid-potency topical corticosteroid cream was added twice daily if necessary to treat erythema, dermatitis, or pruritus. The participants were assessed at weeks 0, 1, and 4 using the eczema area and severity index (EASI) for atopic dermatitis, investigator global assessment for atopic dermatitis, children dermatology life quality index (CDLQI), and clinical and dermoscopic photography. Dermoscopic appearance demonstrated dermal vascular ectasia in AD and KP, hyperkeratosis and prominence of the interkeratinocyte space in AD and IV and widening of the follicular orifice in KP. Improvements in these dermoscopic abnormalities were noted after emollient usage, mirroring improvements in clinical appearance, EASI, and CDLQI. Dermoscopy is a promising tool to assess localized improvement in skin architecture in pediatric dermatoses. Further studies and development of scoring systems will be needed to apply this technology to clinical practice.

Unrecognized dermatophyte infection in ichthyosis vulgaris.

A case of unrecognized widespread dermatophyte infection associated with ichthyosis vulgaris and atopy is described. Our patient was a young woman in which the diagnosis of ichthyosis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis blocked the recognition of widespread dermatophyte infection for more than six months. The case showed some clinical peculiarities in terms of both extent of lesions and their clinical appearance.

Henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) induced haemolytic anaemia in siblings.

Henna is a traditional cosmetic agent and is used worldwide. It is used worldwide not only as a cosmetic agent to stain the hair, skin and nails but also is applied to the body on lesions in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis or fungal infections. Different pathologies have been described as caused by henna. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the adverse effects of henna, applied over the whole body, observed in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme deficient siblings. In the present paper, we report on two siblings with G6PD deficiency who developed haemolytic anaemia following topical application of henna to their whole body to treat skin lesions. Their parents were also found to be G6PD deficient. Even though anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of henna have been shown, it may cause severe side-effects in some cases. For this reason, especially, in the regions where G6PD enzyme deficiency is common, people should be informed about the side-effects of topical henna application and clinicians should be aware of these manifestations.

[Life threatening salicylate poisoning caused by percutaneous absorption in severe ichthyosis vulgaris]. / Lebensbedrohliche Salicylatintoxikation durch perkutane Resorption bei einer schweren Ichthyosis vulgaris.

In a 7-year-old boy, ichthyosis vulgaris was treated with a 10% ointment for application over a large area of the body surface. In this way, the child received 400 g salicylic acid (0.6 g/kg body weight per day) percutaneously over a period of 4 weeks. The patient was referred to hospital by the family doctor: he was in a deep somnolent state, apparently caused by hyperventilation following wheezing, vomiting, tinnitus and vertigo. Salicylate intoxication was suspected because of metabolic acidosis, an anion gap and respiratory overcompensation. The diagnosis was confirmed by a serum salicylate level of 985 micrograms/ml (therapeutic level 150-300 micrograms/ml). Following forced diuresis and alkalization with sodium bicarbonate, haemodialysis was unnecessary. As the salicylate level declined to values within the therapeutic range, the patient started to recover consciousness, waking on the 4th day. By day 6 there were still obvious neurological deficiencies. Fecal incontinence, bilateral ptosis and intermittent diverging strabismus on the right persisted for some weeks. It was 6 months before complete neurological resolution was achieved. The pathogenesis of salicylate toxicity and the need for safer therapies for ichthyosis vulgaris are discussed.

Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of calcipotriol ointment in disorders of keratinization. Results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, right/left comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: Disorders of keratinization are a heterogeneous group of diseases that have in common a defect in cornification. The bioactive form of vitamin D3 has been shown to modulate epidermal proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of the synthetic vitamin D3 calcipotriol in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, right/left comparative study. The 67 patients included in the study were at least 12 years of age and had the following diseases: ichthyosis vulgaris (n = 9), X-linked ichthyosis (n = 8), congenital ichthyosis (n = 10), hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma (n = 20), keratosis pilaris (n = 9), and Darier's disease (n = 11). Calcipotriol ointment (50 micrograms/g) and placebo (vehicle of calcipotriol ointment) were applied to all patients twice daily for up to 12 weeks. The patients were allowed to use up to 120 g of calcipotriol ointment per week. RESULTS: At the end of the treatment regimen, calcipotriol ointment had an effect on the improvement of the ichthyoses, although to a variable degree. No therapeutic effect was detected in palmoplantar keratoderma or keratosis pilaris. Eight of 12 patients with Darier's disease had to be withdrawn because of skin irritation or a worsening of the disease. Skin irritation occurred in 18 cases (26%) only on the calcipotriol-treated side, and in one case (1%) only on the placebo-treated side. Nine cases (13%) had irritation on both sides. The amount of calcipotriol ointment used per week was lowest in palmoplantar keratoderma (mean, 11.8 g/wk; range, 2.1 to 25.6 g/wk) and highest in congenital ichthyosis (mean, 59.3 g/wk; range, 11.4 to 94.7 g/wk). There was no clinically significant change of serum calcium levels during the treatment period. CONCLUSION: Short-term treatment with calcipotriol ointment (50 micrograms/g) used in amounts up to about 100 g/wk is moderately efficacious, well-tolerated, and safe in adult patients with various ichthyoses.