Acquired ichthyosis

The sudden onset of generalized ichthyosis in an adult may indicate an occult malignant tumor, most often lymphoma. In such cases, there is often an associated background erythema, and sometimes pruritus.

Acquired ichthyosis can also be found with leprosy, and in severe nutritional deficiency states.

It can be secondary to cholesterol lowering drugs such as nicotinic acid.
Systemic retinoids can produce an ichthyosis-like condition in some patients.
Acquired ichthyosis should be separated from simple dry skin, xerosis.

Treatment:

• Acquired ichthyosis is reversed when the underlying condition is treated.

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