Photo credit: Graham Lucas Commons

Anthony’s story is one of determination, honesty, and quiet strength - showing that ichthyosis may shape daily life, but it doesn’t limit what’s possible. 

I Am Anthony

I am Anthony, 43, from Gloucester, and I live with Lamellar Ichthyosis.

If I had to describe myself, I’d say I’m resilient, outgoing, and caring. I love football, golf, darts, spending time with my family, and helping others wherever I can.

What people might not expect is how much I manage behind the scenes. I don’t always show when things are tough or how low I can feel at times. At the same time, I’ve built a successful career working closely with people, coach youth sports, and have four incredible children - my condition has never stopped me living a full life.

My Daily Reality

Every day starts the same. I have to shower or bathe as soon as I wake up and apply creams - if I don’t, my skin can split and become very painful.

There are days when the itching is intense, sometimes even to the point of bleeding. My scalp, hands, and feet need constant attention, and my clothes often get heavily soiled from creams, meaning I have to replace them regularly.

To manage it all, I rely on regular bathing, staying cool, and keeping hydrated, especially in hot weather.

More Than People Realise

One of the biggest misunderstandings is how ichthyosis affects the body in ways people don’t see. I’m often asked if I’ve been in the sun too long, but the reality is that I don’t sweat, which makes heat difficult, and sometimes overwhelming to cope with.

When hot weather hits, it’s not just uncomfortable, it can cause real anxiety. That’s something many people don’t fully understand.

Everyday Interactions

People sometimes assume I do a manual job because of my dry, rough hands, or I catch them looking, trying to figure out why my skin flakes instead of just asking.

The truth is, once I explain, most people understand.

I just wish more people knew that ichthyosis is more common than they think - and it’s very different from more familiar skin conditions.

Photo credit: Graham Lucas Commons

Strength and Support

Living with ichthyosis has taught me that it doesn’t have to hold you back. I’ve never let it define what I can or can’t do.

Growing up, my biggest support was my mum and dad, caring for me at a time when very little was known about the condition. Now, it’s my wife, who makes sure I stay on top of my treatments, along with my friends and social circles - people who don’t see the condition, just me.

A big turning point for me was being told as a child that I wouldn’t be able to do what other kids could.
That stayed with me, and drove me to prove otherwise.

I’ve learned that while I might need to plan ahead sometimes, there’s nothing I can’t do.

A Message From Me

If you take one thing from my photos, it’s this:
I may look different, but that’s not the full story - it doesn’t define me.

And if you’re newly diagnosed:

A Message to Healthcare Professionals:

Even within the same type of ichthyosis, no two people are the same, treatments need to reflect that.

Photo credit: Graham Lucas Commons

Photos from the Faces of Ichthyosis photoshoot, kindly funded by the British Association of Dermatologists.