Inherited skin disorders are those that are passed down from generation to generation through familial genes. Some of these disorders cause symptoms that are limited to the skin, can be effectively managed and do not otherwise affect health; others are responsible for more widespread effects on connective and cutaneous tissue and the neurological system, creating chronic effects throughout the body.
Ichthyosis Vulgaris
Ichthyosis vulgaris is one of the most common inherited skin disorders, according MedlinePlus, a website by the National Institutes of Health. Its characteristic symptoms may include severely dry and scaly skin (predominantly on the legs but often extending to the arms, hands, palms and torso), mild itching and skin thickening.
The condition is autosomal dominant, meaning that only one abnormal gene needs to be inherited for the disease to develop. A nuisance that often flares during the winter months, ichthyosis vulgaris rarely affects a person's overall health and often disappears for periods of time during adulthood.
Xeroderma Pigmentosa
Xeroderma pigmentosa is a genetic skin condition that causes the skin and the tissue covering the eye to be abnormally sensitive to ultraviolet light. According to MedlinePlus, other symptoms include sunburn and blistering after minimal sun exposure; spider-like blood vessels under the skin; worsening patches of discolored skin; skin crusting, scaling and oozing; and discomfort in bright light (photophobia). Because the condition predisposes affected individuals to developing skin cancer, the long-term prognosis for those with xeroderma pigmentosa is generally not positive.
Albinism
Albinism is a group of inherited skin disorders characterized by little to no production of the skin pigment melanin. General symptoms of albinism include white or lighter-than-normal skin and hair and the absence of color in the iris of the eyes. There are two types of albinism. Type 1 is the result of a defect in melanin production, and type 2 is caused by a defect in the "P," gene which results in people being born with slight coloring, according to MedlinePlus.
Ectodermal Dysplasia
Ectodermal dysplasia is a condition caused by multiple gene defects. Symptoms include decreased or absent sweating caused by a lack of sweat glands, poor body temperature regulation, light skin color because of a lack of pigment, thin hair and skin, abnormal nails, abnormal or missing teeth, absent or decreased tear production, poor hearing, poor vision and a foul-smelling nasal discharge, according to MedlinePlus. Physically, those with ectodermal dysplasia may also have an abnormally low nasal bridge and large forehead.
Ehlers-Danlos Conditions
Ehlers-Danlos is a group of inherited disorders that affects the connective tissue of the skin, joints and blood vessels. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are six types of Ehlers-Danlos conditions, all of which are rare. The hypermobility type--the most common type of Ehlers-Danlos--is characterized by symptoms such as soft, velvety skin; loose joints; chronic and degenerative joint disease; heart valve problems; and severe premature osteoarthritis that causes chronic pain. Other general symptoms may include stretchy, fragile skin; hernias; muscle weakness; hyperextension of joints; easy bruising; and heart problems.
Incontinentia Pigmenti
Incontinentia pigmenti is an inherited neurocutaneous skin disorder that affects skin pigmentation, teeth, eyes, skeletal system and central nervous system. Excessive melanin deposits produce wavy or marbled discolorations in the skin within two weeks after birth. Slow motor development and muscle weakness develop as the condition causes a loss of brain tissue and motor neurons. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), skin symptoms may disappear with time, but residual neurological difficulties may remain.
Other Disorders
Neurofibromatoses are inherited disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerves and produce skin and bone abnormalities. Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disease that affects the central nervous system and causes benign tumors to grow on the brain and vital organs. Some other common symptoms are seizures, mental retardation, behavioral problems and skin abnormalities, according to the NINDS.
