Definition
Skin sclerosis is a connective tissue thickening in the dermis and hypodermis, which manifests itself as a hardening of the affected skin. In many cases, this sign is the consequence of degenerative phenomena.
Skin sclerosis makes the skin stiff, immovable and not foldable.
Among the main causes of cutaneous sclerosis include Dupuytren's disease, scleroderma and skin aging.
Dupuytren's disease is characterized by the progressive appearance of subcutaneous nodules, raised cords and sclerotics at the palm of the hand. These injuries cause permanent flexion of one or more fingers.
Scleroderma, on the other hand, manifests itself with thickening of the skin following an accumulation of fibrous connective tissue. During this pathological process, the skin becomes progressively thickened, inelastic and adherent to the underlying tissues; the mainly affected sites are the extremities and the face. The latter, in particular, loses its expressiveness.
In addition to cutaneous manifestations, scleroderma involves disorders affecting the lungs, kidneys, heart and digestive system.
Skin sclerosis may also depend on radiation therapy or X-ray exposure.
Possible Causes * of Skin Sclerosis
- Dupuytren's disease
- Progeria
- Marfan syndrome
