Question 1 of 12
Question 1 of 12 — Onset
When did skin symptoms first appear?
Choose the option that best describes the earliest noticeable symptoms.
Question 2 of 12 — Sex
What is the biological sex of the person affected?
Some types almost exclusively affect one sex — this is one of the most important questions.
Question 3 of 12 — Birth presentation
Were you (or your child) born as a "collodion baby"?
A collodion baby is born wrapped in a tight, shiny, film-like skin (like clingfilm) that cracks and peels in the first days or weeks of life. This requires NICU or special care at birth.
Question 4 of 12 — Scale appearance
How would you best describe the scaling or skin texture?
Pick the description that most closely matches the typical appearance — not necessarily the worst days.
Question 5 of 12 — Body distribution
Which areas of the body are mainly affected by scaling?
Focus on where scaling is most consistent, not where it's occasionally worse.
Question 6 of 12 — Heat & temperature
How does the skin react to heat, humidity, or sunlight?
This is one of the most diagnostically useful questions — bathing suit ichthyosis and lamellar have very different responses to heat.
Question 7 of 12 — Hair
How would you describe the hair texture and growth?
Hair abnormalities are a key distinguishing feature for several rare types. A dermatologist can examine under a microscope if abnormal.
Question 8 of 12 — Itch
How much does the skin itch on a typical day?
Itch level varies significantly between types — Netherton has very high itch driven by immune dysregulation; lamellar and harlequin often have less itch despite worse appearance.
Question 9 of 12 — Associated conditions
Which of these additional symptoms or diagnoses apply?
Pick the most prominent — these co-symptoms are among the most powerful discriminators between types.
Question 10 of 12 — Neurological
Any neurological, developmental or metabolic symptoms?
Several rarer types of ichthyosis have significant neurological involvement — Refsum disease, PIBIDS and KID syndrome all have distinct patterns.
Question 11 of 12 — Family history
What is the family history pattern?
Inheritance pattern is one of the strongest clues. X-linked types run through the maternal line in males; recessive types often have no family history at all.
Question 12 of 12 — Daily care
How long does the daily skin care routine take?
This is a proxy for overall severity — not a reflection of effort. More intensive types simply require more time regardless of how well they're managed.
Based on your 12 answers, your most likely type is:
Other possible matches:
Score breakdown — top matches
⚠️ This quiz is a screening guide only — not a medical diagnosis. Genetic testing via your GP or dermatologist is the only definitive way to confirm your ichthyosis type. Always discuss results with a specialist.