Where Did Ichthyosis Originate?

The term ichthyosis is derived from the ancient Greek root ichthys, meaning fish. Although the resemblance is rather fanciful, it nevertheless conveys the characteristic features of these diseases. References to ichthyosis have been found in ancient medical texts aged more than 2000 years.

Where does ichthyosis come from?

Ichthyosis vulgaris is commonly caused by a genetic mutation that's inherited from one or both parents. Children who inherit a defective gene from just one parent have a milder form of the disease. Those who inherit two defective genes have a more severe form of ichthyosis vulgaris.

When was ichthyosis first discovered?

Robert Wilan first made the most accurate description of ichthyosis in the English literature in 1808. Later modifications classified the diseases into hereditary and acquired forms. Hereditary ichthyosis vulgaris is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder first evident in early childhood.