Sclerodermais an autoimmune condition in which the body produces too much collagen.
Most often,sclerodermais seen on the arms, legs, and face but can occur anywhere.
This article will talk about how scleroderma looks, its symptoms, and how it’s diagnosed.
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Rash Characteristics
Localized sclerodermarashhas a few unique characteristics.
The condition causes thick, hard skin but can take on two distinctive patterns.
They are called morphea, or linear.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Below are the characteristics of morphea:
The morphea rash patches can grow together and form larger rashes.
The rash may be itchy but not painful.
Another form of localized scleroderma is linear scleroderma.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This form usually starts when someone is a child or teenager.
The condition causes athickened skinline or different color skin to form on the leg or arm.
It can continue deeper into the skin, going into the muscles and occasionally the bones.
Reproduced with permission from A DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
It causes a thick line to form on the face or scalp.
This condition can affect both the face and scalp.
It causes a scarred line that indents into the skin on the scalp andskull, like a sword wound.
The condition can also cut into the brain, causingneurologicalchanges.
Reproduced with permission from ADermNet New Zealand and A Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Systemic Sclerosis (Involving Internal Organs)
Systemic scleroderma is also calledsclerosis.
There are two types of sclerosis, limited and diffuse.
Associated Symptoms
Limited systemic scleroderma is known asCREST syndrome.
This is from the large amount of collagen formation and can develop on internal organs.
Below is a list of complications grouped by body system.
The provider will examine the skin, looking for tightness and skin thickening.
They will also look at the tips of the fingernails to look for changes in the blood vessels.
There is no single, specific scleroderma test.
A blood test called elevated antinuclear antibodies is helpful but not a definite diagnosis.
Summary
Scleroderma is a condition that causes a distinctive change in the skin.
The skin produces too much collagen, which causes tight, shiny skin.
If someone suspects they have scleroderma, they should contact their healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment guidance.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scleroderma.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scleroderma: overview.
DermNet.Morphoea en coup de sabre.
