posted June 11, 2003 06:13 PM               

My dermatologist did not tell me what type i have...I get big scale patches and cracks on my shins, fine scales on my thighs and arms rough skin on my back... i am overly dry...my hand and fingers like to peel off in big sheets at least once a year, rough feet ect... It is a medium case i would assume...affecting my calves, backs and side of my thighs, hips, back and parts of my arms...scalp, damn and i thought I just had tough dandruff and scaly ears... no wonder i have trouble hearing...LOL...
Anyway I am very excited about all the new information I am learning about now, it will definately give me more new combinations to try...

I just head to the shower and scrub away everyday and use plenty of patroleum... tried Eucrin regular... kind helps, gonna try the extra strength next???... Had a perscription from the derm, but it was for only six refills and I was too embarrased to go back...The made me strip naked for some strange reason??? Probably just wanted a cheap look at my package...LOL... Tthe cream worked great, stung at first,had some kinda acid in it, I got used to it after a while..

posted June 11, 2003 11:07 PM            

It's very important for you to find out what
type of ich you have. The milder and most prevalent type, vulgaris, responds very well to hot and humid weather. If your condition improves much in the summer after the harsh winter of NY, you may want to think about relocating to a warmer climate year-round

posted June 12, 2003 08:08 AM            

I do agree that it's important to have a proper diagnosis for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest, of course, is knowing what topical things (stuff that comes in contact with your skin) that you should avoid, and what type of ichthyosis you have can also influence what types of medication you take.

Has your dermatologist given you any suggestions on how to make yourself more comfortable? Don't be shy about asking questions, and frankly, if your derm isn't willing to do a little research and get back to you if he/she doesn't have any answers, then you probably would be better off with a different dermatologist. Frankly, your case doesn't sound "medium" to me even though it's not 100% all over from what you describe, it sounds a bit severe! I hope we can help you find ways to make yourself more comfortable.

Promiseland is right in that the climate you live in can be either a blessing or curse to your ichthyosis. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make your environment more comfortable if you live in a climate not idea for your skin. Such things as air conditioners, fountains/fishbowls to put more moisture in the air, heaters and even sun lamps (depending on the type of ichthyosis you have), more baths and showers, less baths and showers, sunblock, sunhats, etc and so forth.

Don't be shy about sharing your stories, for every one of us that reads these like you do and remembers our similar experience, there is a parent or new person who isn't aware of such experiences. The same is true for how you care for your skin, some of us will find what you do new and very useful, and we'd never know about it unless you say something.

I think it's great that we all share our stories and memories on this board because for one, it helps the children, teens and parents learn from mistakes we've made, and get ideas on how to cope with things that aren't always pleasant. Plus, I love it when one of us shares a story, and someone else responds along the lines of, "Oh, thank goodness, I thought I was the only one who had to deal with that, and you've given me such great ideas on how to make it less difficult!"

posted June 13, 2003 10:04 AM               

My name is Mark and I have a son who has Ichthyosis. He is 27 months old now and is a great kid. His case is rather mild. Only patches on his trunk and his scalp. The rest of his body is clear.