Definition of Ichthyosis vulgaris

Ichthyosis vulgaris: A genetic skin disease that is characterized by scaly (fishlike) areas of skin. The first scaly skin problems usually appear after 3 months of age. The palms and soles are often affected. Areas that tend to be spared include the axillae (the armpits), the antecubital fossa (the inside area at the bend of the elbow) and the popliteal fossa (behind the knee).

A significant proportion of people with this disease have asthma, eczema or hay fever.

The gene responsible ichthyosis vulargaris has been mapped to chromosome band 1q21. The product of this gene is a substance called filaggrin (abbreviated FLG) which may act as the "keratin matrix protein" in cells of the stratum corneum, one of the layers of the skin.

Also known as ichthyosis simplex.