$Unique_ID{BRK01717}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Foundation for Ichthyosis}
$Subject{Resources Resource Ichthyosis Skin disease diseases scaling
cornification stratum corneum scales}
$Volume{Z-0}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Skin*0006701.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Resource About Foundation for Ichthyosis


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     A letter, recently received from an association I had previously been
unaware of, struck a chord, when it requested just a bit of publicity to help
them along.  I am always happy to oblige these efforts and so wish to
introduce you to the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types
(F.I.R.S.T.).  Ichthyosis (ik-thee-o-sis) is the general name of almost forty
inherited and acquired disease that include sever scaling of the skin as a
primary symptom.  Over a million Americans suffer from the most common type of
ichthyosis, while rarer forms affect 100,000.  These disease forms are a
disorder of cornification, or the formation of the top layer of the skin- the
stratum corneum.  Apparently there is something wrong with the "glue" holding
these cells together, so that they don't release from each other and so form a
rigid, thick surface layer of scales that crack and discolor.  There is no
known cure for any of these diseases.  To learn more about ichthyosis, you may
obtain a booklet and newsletter published by the foundation.  Simply send your
request, along with a stamped self addressed business sized envelope to:
F.I.R.S.T., The Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types, P.O. Box
20921, Raleigh, N.C. 27619-0921.  The information may be of value to yourself
or someone you know.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.