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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough self-help measures won't cure ichthyosis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. These measures may be beneficial:
- Take long soaking baths to soften the skin. Then use a roughly-textured sponge, such as a loofa sponge, to remove the thickened scales.
- Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps, which are especially harsh on dry skin.
- After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.
- Apply the moisturizer or lubricating cream while your skin is still wet or moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep your skin moist. Petroleum jelly is another good choice. Cover the treated areas with plastic wrap to keep the petroleum jelly from staining clothes and furniture.
- Twice daily applications of an over-the-counter product that contains urea, lactic acid or a low concentration of salicylic acid may help. Mild acidic compounds help the skin shed its dead skin cells. Urea helps bind moisture to the skin.
- Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.
