ICHTHYOSIS SEBACEA Meaning and
Definition
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Ichthyosis sebacea is a rare and genetic skin disorder characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of a sticky, greasy substance on the skin's surface. This condition is considered a type of ichthyosis, a group of disorders that affect the skin's ability to regenerate and shed dead skin cells properly.
Individuals with ichthyosis sebacea typically present symptoms from birth or infancy, with a thick, yellowish, and scaly skin that resembles fish scales. The scales often cover large areas of the body, particularly the scalp, face, and trunk, leading to significant physical discomfort and self-consciousness.
Furthermore, ichthyosis sebacea can also affect the scalp, leading to the formation of thick, greasy scales that stick to the hair shafts, causing hair loss or thinning. This condition may be associated with other health conditions, such as allergies, eczema, and asthma.
The exact cause of ichthyosis sebacea remains unknown, but it is believed to be an inherited condition that is passed down through families. Genetic factors play a significant role in its development, where mutations in certain genes disrupt the normal functioning of the skin cells, leading to the excessive production of the greasy substance.
While there is currently no cure for ichthyosis sebacea, management primarily focuses on controlling and alleviating symptoms. Regular and careful skincare routines involving gentle exfoliation, moisturizing, and the use of emollients can help to reduce scaling and discomfort. Additionally, the supervision and guidance of dermatologists are crucial in tailoring treatments to the specific needs of each patient.
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The presence of an unusual amount of vernix caseosa.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ICHTHYOSIS SEBACEA
- ichthyosis sebacee
- ichthyosis sebacec
- i chthyosis sebacea
- ic hthyosis sebacea
- ich thyosis sebacea
- icht hyosis sebacea
- ichth yosis sebacea
- ichthy osis sebacea
- ichthyo sis sebacea
- ichthyos is sebacea
- ichthyosi s sebacea
- ichthyosis s ebacea
- ichthyosis se bacea
- ichthyosis seb acea
- ichthyosis seba cea
- ichthyosis sebac ea
- ichthyosis sebace a
Etymology of ICHTHYOSIS SEBACEA
The word "ichthyosis" originates from the Greek words "ichthys", meaning "fish", and "-osis", which is a suffix indicating a medical condition or process. This term was chosen because the skin affected by ichthyosis often appears similar to fish scales or the rough texture of fish skin.
The word "sebacea" is derived from the Latin word "sebum", which means "tallow" or "grease". It refers to the sebaceous glands present in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum. In ichthyosis sebacea, there is an abnormality in these glands, resulting in the accumulation of excessive amounts of sebum.
Therefore, when combined, "ichthyosis sebacea" describes a condition in which the skin becomes dry, scaly, and rough like fish scales, along with the presence of increased sebum production.
