Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is a chronic disease of the skin, in which the epidermis is developed in excessive accumulations, usually accompanied by more or less hypertrophy of the papillae, presenting a dry, harsh, and "scaly" surface, whence its name, and arising from a congenital or hereditary predisposition in the patient.

This disease is usually divided into two forms, according to the degree of development.

The mild form, called simplex, is more frequently found, and varies from a very mild xerodermatous to a decidedly scaly condition of the skin.

The severe form, called hystrix, shows its most advanced stage, with the papillae enlarged and the cones between extended and capped with horny excrescences of various sizes and shapes.

While the characteristics of this disease are marked, particularly the objective symptoms, the subjective symptoms are almost entirely lacking.