Ichthyosis is derived from the Greek word "ichthys" meaning "fish". It is a skin disorder in which there is a formation of dry, thickened, scales or flakes on the skin, which appear like fish scales.

The condition often begins in early childhood and is usually lifelong.

Often a physician is able to diagnose ichthyosis by examining the skin. A family history if available is useful. In some cases, a skin biopsy is done which is confirmatory.

Ichthyosis can be treated, but it cannot be cured. The treatments are designed to relieve the symptoms. Common treatments consist of moisturizing and exfoliating the skin. This helps prevent dryness, and reduce scaling, cracking and build-up of skin.

The use of moisture-retaining creams or ointments such as Petrolatum, lanolin or urea-containing preparations after a bath or shower helps in maintaining skin moisture.

Retinoid is also used for some conditions. Sometimes exposure to sunlight can improve the condition. If there is a skin infection or case of body odour, timely use of antibiotics is helpful.