Managing ichthyosis: a case study.
Ichthyoses-- rare, genetic, incurable dermatologic diseases characterized by dry, thickened, scaling skin-- affect more than 1 million Americans and can cause devastating disfigurement with numerous physical, social, and emotional consequences. Topical treatments typically focus on symptom management. A 44-year-old man presented with severe X-linked type ichthyosis. When his condition did not improve with the use of a variety of topical and systemic treatments, a once-a-day, over-the-counter skin care regimen consisting of a surfactant-free cleanser followed by the application of moisturizer containing amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and methylsulfonylmethane was prescribed. After 4 weeks of using this management regimen on a test area on his left arm, the skin was clear and discomfort and itching had subsided. Subsequent application of the skin care products on other affected areas also did not cause any adverse reactions and his skin continued to improve. Symptom resolution and patient satisfaction indicate the product line may be a viable consideration for use in patients with similarly compromised skin.
Fleck
Cynthia A
CA
cynthiafleck@sbcglobal.net
D000328:Adult; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide; D004643:Emollients / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016114:Ichthyosis, X-Linked / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012828:Silicones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D013450:Sulfones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000596:Amino Acids; D000975:Antioxidants; D004643:Emollients; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D012828:Silicones; D013450:Sulfones; D014815:Vitamins; C025910:dimethyl sulfone; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide