Scleroderma Types Systemic Symptoms Skin

Scleroderma Skin Involvement: Overview

Overview

Skin involvement in systemic sclerosis, which includes both limited/CREST and diffuse scleroderma, can include hair loss, calcium deposits, open sores, swelling, gangrene, changes in skin color, itching, small mouth, swollen or hardened skin on fingers or elsewhere, and dry skin. When skin hardens on the fingers, it is called sclerodactyly. (Also see What is Scleroderma?, Types of Scleroderma, and Systemic Sclerosis)

Patterns and predictors of skin score change in early diffuse systemic sclerosis from the European Scleroderma Observational Study. Two prediction models for progressive skin thickening were derived, for use both in clinical practice and for cohort enrichment in randomised controlled trials. PubMed, Ann Rheum Dis, 2018 Apr;77(4):563-570.

Alopecia (Hair Loss)

Alopecia (hair loss) may occur with scleroderma, if it affects the scalp. ISN.

Calcinosis

Calcinosis. The systemic forms of scleroderma can cause small white calcium lumps to form under the skin on fingers or other areas of the body. ISN.

Collagen, Face Lifts and Scleroderma

Collagen, Face Lifts, and Scleroderma. Collagen injections should be used with caution in people who have had certain autoimmune diseases. ISN.

Digital (Finger) Ulcers

Digital Ulcers. Systemic scleroderma and Raynaud's can cause painful ulcers on the fingers or toes, which are known as digital ulcers. ISN.

Edema (Swelling)

In the initial stages, the systemic forms of scleroderma may cause edema (swelling) in the fingers.

Elbow Tip Pain

Scleroderma Elbow Tip Pains "A common area of involvement of this condition is the skin over the tips of the elbows (the olecranon area). When this skin is involved, it can lead to troublesome irritation of the tips of the elbows with tenderness noted when any pressure is applied." MedicineNet.

Fingernails, Nailfolds, and Cuticles

Fingernails, Nailfolds, and Cuticles. The systemic forms of scleroderma can cause the fingernails to become smaller, and cuticles to become hard or rough. ISN.

Gangrene (Death of Tissue)

Gangrene and Amputations. Severe cases of scleroderma and Raynaud's may cause a total lack of blood supply to the extremities. When this happens, necrosis (death of tissue) and gangrene may set in, sometimes making it necessary to have the affected part(s) amputated. ISN.

Hypopigmentation and Hyperpigmentation

Hypopigmentation and Hyperpigmentation. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) such as limited or diffuse scleroderma, can cause hyperpigmentation (darkening) and hypopigmention (lightening) of the skin, usually in the areas which have been affected by skin hardening. ISN.

Itching (Pruritus)

Itching may precede and accompany skin tightening in limited and diffuse systemic sclerosis (lSSc, dSSc, SSc). It is caused by the inflammation, and is a temporary phase. ISN.

Lower Extremity Ulcers (Leg and Foot Ulcers)

Points to consider for skin ulcers in systemic sclerosis. Biomarkers should be considered or consideration should be given to storing serum, plasma or cells for possible future analysis. PubMed, Rheumatology (Oxford), 2017 Sep 1;56(suppl_5):v67-v71.

Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of ischemic toe ulcer in a patient presenting systemic sclerosis. We report herein a clinical case illustrating the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of ischemic ulcers of the toes in systemic sclerosis. PubMed, Ann Dermatol Venereol, 2017 Jan;144(1):55-59.

Microstomia: Mouth Involvement in Systemic Scleroderma

Microstomia. Systemic scleroderma can cause the mouth area to shrink and harden, which can impair chewing, brushing, flossing, and dental work. When the mouth becomes smaller, it is called "microstomia". ISN.

Neck Sign

The Neck Sign is a distinctive pattern of yellow-brown plaque with beading and ridging. See Scleroderma Photos.

Raynaud's

Raynaud's causes blood vessel spasms, which can cause painful coldness, color changes, numbness and tingling. ISN.

Sclerodactyly

Sclerodactyly. When fingers and/or toes become tight, stretched, wax-like, and hardened it is called sclerodactyly. ISN.

Skin Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis

Skin Fibrosis. Scleroderma is named after skin fibrosis, which is one of its most common and recognizable symptoms. Skin fibrosis eventually develops in most patients. Sclero means "hard" and derma means "skin". ISN.

Skin Viscoelasticity

Skin Viscoelasticity. Skin is the largest organ in our body. It protects us from environmental factors, like sunshine and chemicals. It is like elastic, in that it stretches and then snaps back to its original shape and size, which is called viscoelasticity. ISN.

Telangiectasia

Telangiectasia may appear on the hands or face. These are tiny red dots, which are caused by blood vessels dilating near the surface of the skin. ISN.

Wound Care

Wound Healing can be a real challenge for many scleroderma patients. Any wound that does not show improvement after a couple of days should be brought to your doctor's attention. ISN.

Xerosis (Dry Skin)

Xerosis may occur from Scleroderma causing the skin to become excessively dry. Very mild soaps and lotions (often baby products) are recommended. ISN.

In Loving Memory of Lorraine Wempner, a donation to tackle scleroderma has been made by Paul Wempner. Posted 11/13/2019. (Also see: ISN News)

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