A treatment to alleviate the symptoms of ichthyosis consisting of topical application of an ointment or lotion containing one or more lower aliphatic compounds having from two to about six carbon atoms, and preferably having alpha -carbon functionality is disclosed. The compounds include alpha -hydroxy acids, keto acids and esters thereof, and 3-hydroxy butyric acid. The therapeutic composition may include one or more of the compounds present in a total amount of from 1 to 20 percent by weight in either a water or alcohol solution, or an ointment. Topical application to affected areas has been found to achieve complete remission of ichthyotic conditions in humans.
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