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Is Ichthyosis A Contagious Disease?
Question: I have Icthyosis. Is it contagious? I recently got married. Is there a chance of my wife getting it since we have sex. Is there a chance of this passing onto my baby?
Brief Answer:
Ichthyosis is not contagious
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Ichthyosis is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted by close personal contact.
However, Ichthyosis specially if early or congenital in onset is usually genetically determined (autosomal dominant or recessive or X- linked) i.e it can be passed on to the baby.
Icthyosis is not always genetic, it can also be acquired e.g in patients with hypothyroidism, diabetes, on certain medications (clofazimine, lipd lowering drugs etc), infections (leprosy), lymphoma etc, however acquired ichthyosis is usually later in onset whereas genetically transmitted ichthyosis starts either at birth or at an early age.
Regards
Ichthyosis is not contagious
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Ichthyosis is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted by close personal contact.
However, Ichthyosis specially if early or congenital in onset is usually genetically determined (autosomal dominant or recessive or X- linked) i.e it can be passed on to the baby.
Icthyosis is not always genetic, it can also be acquired e.g in patients with hypothyroidism, diabetes, on certain medications (clofazimine, lipd lowering drugs etc), infections (leprosy), lymphoma etc, however acquired ichthyosis is usually later in onset whereas genetically transmitted ichthyosis starts either at birth or at an early age.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks, so you mean to say that my wife doesn't have any danger but baby can be affected? How likely that's gonna happen? Chances?
Note: I have ichthyosis since childhood, with face not affected, palms and feet are severly affected, rest of the body is mild and can be controlled with oils n creams.
Note: I have ichthyosis since childhood, with face not affected, palms and feet are severly affected, rest of the body is mild and can be controlled with oils n creams.
Brief Answer:
Risk of transmission of ichthyosis in next generation
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
The chances are 50% if the ichthyosis has an autosomal dominant mode of transmission i.e requires only one gene for expression. Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most common type of autosomal dominantly inherited ichthyosis.
On the other hand if it is an autosomal recessively inherited ichthyosis i.e which would required both copies of the affected gene to manifest itself clinically, it would manifest in next generation only if your wife is also a carrier for the gene responsible for ichthyosis, not otherwise. It would then have 25% chances of transmission to next generation.
Regards
Risk of transmission of ichthyosis in next generation
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
The chances are 50% if the ichthyosis has an autosomal dominant mode of transmission i.e requires only one gene for expression. Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most common type of autosomal dominantly inherited ichthyosis.
On the other hand if it is an autosomal recessively inherited ichthyosis i.e which would required both copies of the affected gene to manifest itself clinically, it would manifest in next generation only if your wife is also a carrier for the gene responsible for ichthyosis, not otherwise. It would then have 25% chances of transmission to next generation.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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