In some cases, a skin biopsy is done to help to confirm the diagnosis while in others genetic testing may be helpful in making a diagnosis. Diabetes has not been definitively linked to acquired ichthyosis or ichthyosis vulgaris; however, there are case reports associating new onset ichthyosis with diabetes.Ichthyosis has been found to be more common in Native American, Asian, Mongolian groups. There is no way to prevent ichthyosis. Ichthyosis is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disease that can be isolated and restricted to the skin manifestations or associated with extracutaneous symptoms. One of which is limb reduction defect known as CHILD syndrome; a rare inborn error of metabolism of cholesterol biosynthesis that is usually restricted to one side of the body. One case with symptoms matching CHILD syndrome has been described as having a likely-different cause. Treatments
Treatments for ichthyosis often take the form of topical application of creams and emollient oils, in an attempt to hydrate the skin. Creams containing a high percentage of urea or lactic acid have been shown to work exceptionally well in some cases. Application of propylene glycol is another treatment method. Retinoids are used for some conditions. Exposure to sunlight may improve or worsen the condition. In some cases, excess dead skin sloughs off much better from wet tanned skin after bathing or a swim, although the dry skin might be preferable to the damaging effects of sun exposure. There can be ocular manifestations of ichthyosis, such as corneal and ocular surface diseases.
Macrocytosis is the enlargement of red blood cells with near-constant hemoglobin concentration, and is defined by a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of greater than 100 femtolitres (the precise criterion varies between laboratories). The enlarged erythrocytes are called macrocytes or megalocytes (both words have roots meaning "big cell"). As a symptom its cause may be relatively benign and need no treatment or it may indicate a serious underlying illness. Causes
In humans, most commonly (especially when the increase in size is mild, and just above normal range) the cause is bone marrow dysplasia secondary to alcohol use disorder. Poor absorption of vitamin B12 in the digestive tract can also cause macrocytosis. Gastrointestinal diseases that may cause macrocytosis include celiac disease (severe sensitivity to gluten from wheat and other grains that causes intestinal damage) and Crohns disease (inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract). Other causes may include:

megaloblastosis (vitamin B12 or folate deficiency) because slowly dividing erythrocytes accumulate cytoplasmic components, resulting in larger-than-normal cells. hypothyroidism
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
aplastic anemia
reticulocytosis (commonly from hemolysis or a recent history of blood loss). liver disease because of an increase in circulating phospholipids and cholesterol, which bind on erythrocytes and induce membrane expansion
myeloproliferative disease
myelodysplastic syndrome which most commonly presents with macrocytic anemia
chronic exposure to benzene
pregnancy (most common, and requires no treatment as the person affected will return to normal post-partum)
Certain anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. salazopyrin, azathioprine. Complications
No complications arise from macrocytosis itself and a prognosis will be determined from its cause. See also
Macrocytic anemia

References


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