Overcoming the Barrier Treatment of Ichthyosis: A Combination-therapy Approach.

Ichthyosis vulgaris is an inherited disorder of keratinization that results in asteatotic scales on extensor surfaces of the arm, legs, and trunk. A combination-therapy approach with a physiological lipid-based barrier repair topical emulsion and ammonium lactate 12% lotion applied topically was shown to be effective at four-week follow up without any untoward side effects. This combination therapy addresses the importance of caring for both the corneocytes ("bricks") and the intercellular lipid bilayer ("mortar") for optimal benefit.