Does Ichthyosis Affect Growth Among Children?

It has long been observed by physicians that children with ichthyosis can be smaller in stature compared to children without ichthyosis. Dr. Mary Williams who is faculty at the University of California San Francisco and a member of the FIRST (Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types) Medical and Scientific Advisory Board is one physician who has postulated that growth delay may be more closely tied to certain types of ichthyoses¹. Currently, there is no study that has systematically examined this potential association between growth delay and ichthyosis types in a large group despite these long-standing observations. Understanding the relationship between delayed growth and specific genetic types of ichthyoses could allow physicians and parents to intervene early by providing supplemental nutrition and other treatments, which may mitigate decreased growth among children with ichthyosis.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with any type of ichthyosis and is aged 25 years or younger, you can participate by filling out the electronic consent form and a medical record release here: https://yalesurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0vv5YDxBZdbUD9Y

For more information about this study, contact: The National Registry for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Disorders ichthyosisgrowthstudy@yale.edu

1. Williams, M. (2005). Growth failure in children with severe ichthyosis. Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types. https://www.firstskinfoundation.org/growth-failure-in-children-with-severe-ichthyosis-2005