The biologic basis of the ichthyoses

The ichthyoses, a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by scaling, have become an unexpectedly rich source of information on normal epidermal biology and cell cohesion and dishesion. In spite of recent success with systemic retinoid therapy, the ichthyoses remain a challenging problem concerning treatment. Nosology and classification are unfinished, and the analysis of biochemical abnormalities promises a refinement in diagnosis.