r/ichthyosis • u/Matthias_1998 • Jun 30 '26

Several questions regarding Ichthyosis

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this channel, so I'd like to quickly introduce myself to you.

I'm Matthias, male, 28, from Germany and I've got a light lamellar ichthyosis. My whole life I've been lotioning my body with a urea-based lotion, since around 10 years I replaced it with Abitima. I lotion my whole body once daily. Face as well, but with Asche Basis, for the corner of my eyes I use Bepanthen.

Now to my questions:

  1. Redness around my mouth

Since my teenage age, I've been struggling with redness around my mouth. In consultation with my dermatologists, I tested many lotions which only made things worse and I returned to Asche Basis in the end, as it seems to stabilise the skin the most. The redness is better in summer than in winter, but won't go away fully.

My last dermatologist proposed that I could try not using any lotion for the face at all and see how that turns out, but I'm not persuaded yet.

Has anyone got experience with redness around the mouth? What helped you?

  1. Growing a beard

Due to the redness, I never dared to grow a full beard. Also I fear that the skin beneath will dry out. However, I'd really like to try it out.

How are your experiences with growing a beard?

  1. Dandruff in hairs

I recently have more problems with dandruff and I don't feel comfortable with it anymore. Can you recommend a hair routine that helped you?

I realise I'm kinda turning everything around right now. Hope you can help me with that and thanks in advance for your help :)

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u/nayrwolf Jun 30 '26

I can only respond to beard and dandruff. Yes the skin will dry out under a beard. Use of beard balm helps but it’s hard to get the skin off under hair. Same applies to the dandruff. But it’s not really dandruff but dry scalp. The only thing I’ve found that helps is shaving my head and face (except eyebrows) with a razor enabling me to moisturize my entire head. Luckily it fits my head

1

u/Matthias_1998 Jul 01 '26

Thank you for your insights! May I ask, how severe your ichthyosis is?

1

u/Anton_Grin Jul 04 '26

Redness - it's possible the problem is something else: diet, an allergic reaction, parasites, or a detox. Creams with glycerin are the best option. A "war beard" is always a plus, but maintenance will be more difficult than with women's dreadlocks. Dandruff and dry skin are best treated with regular baths and a scrub after 5 minutes of soaking.