**Ichthyosis** is a chronic skin disease caused by changes in the structure and function of the stratum corneum. A person with ichthyosis may experience significant skin problems, including dryness, itching, and cracking. Black ichthyosis (aka i. nigricaens) is one of the varieties of ichthyosis and is manifested by a dark skin tone.
The causative agent of the disease is a virus that is transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. In children, the probability of contracting the virus is about 50%, which is due to its easier tolerance in their young bodies. There is evidence of the occurrence of black ichthyosis during skin transplantation to patients with ichthyosis. The degree of likelihood of disease manifestation may be different both in the presence and absence of a hereditary predisposition.
In some cases, black ichthyosis does not develop until the end of the patient's life, and the disease gradually regresses. At the same time, there is evidence of the development of recurrent disease in patients, apparently associated with predisposing environmental factors. If the disease is not treated with sufficient attention, it can be asymptomatic for several years. Symptoms of the disease may develop against the background of skin damage or may not change in their manifestation for a long period.
The mainstay of treatment is the use of corticosteroid drugs. They help prevent further progression of the disease and reduce symptoms. Topical treatments such as ointments and creams are also used to help soften the skin and prevent it from cracking and dryness. It is important to maintain good hygiene and wash your skin regularly using mild cleansers. If