Ichthyosis Awareness Month is observed during the month of May. During May we encourage families and friends around the world to join together, use their voices, and raise awareness about the challenges and hopes of the ichthyosis community. Simply handing out educational information, or taking the time to talk to neighbors, friends, co-workers and community is one of the best ways to show you care.

Ichthyosis Awareness Month educates that ichthyosis is a family of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, scaling skin that may be thickened or very thin. The prefix “ichthy” is taken from the Greek root for the word fish. Each year, more than 16,000 babies are born with some form of ichthyosis. Ichthyosis affects people of all ages, races and gender. The disease usually presents at birth, or within the first year, and continues to affect the patient throughout their lifetime.