Acquired Ichthyosis: Causes and Underlying Conditions
Introduction Ichthyosis is a broad term used to describe a group of skin disorders characterized by dry, thickened, and scaly skin. While hereditary ichthyosis is caused by genetic mutations that affect the skin’s natural process of shedding and renewal, there is another form— acquired ichthyosis —which occurs as a result of various underlying conditions. Unlike its genetic counterpart, acquired ichthyosis develops later in life, often as a symptom or side effect of other diseases, conditions, or medications. In this article, we will explore the primary causes of acquired ichthyosis, including its association with cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, infections, metabolic disorders, drug reactions, and nutritional deficiencies. 1. Malignant Neoplasms (Cancer) Acquired ichthyosis has been observed in association with various forms of cancer, particularly as a paraneoplastic syndrome, where the presence of cancer triggers systemic effects throughout the body, including the