What causes Scleredema?
Although the cause of scleredema is unknown, it is usually associated with a disease, usually diabetes, a viral illness or strep throat. It is usually not fatal, but it may cause death if the disease spreads to the internal organs. It may also cause an infection.
What is the definition of Scleredema?
Scleredema is an uncommon, but likely underrecognized, fibromucinous connective-tissue disease. It is characterized clinically by woody induration and hardening of the skin that results from excessive mucin deposition between thickened collagen bundles in the skin’s dermis.
What is localized scleroderma?
Localized scleroderma is characterized by thickening of the skin from excessive collagen deposits. Collagen is a protein normally present in our skin that provides structural support. However, when too much collagen is made, the skin becomes stiff and hard.
What is the difference between Scleredema and scleroderma?
Scleredema is differentiated from scleroderma by the presence of mucin and the lack of destruction of skin adnexa.
How serious is localized scleroderma?
Localized scleroderma is not a fatal disease, but quality of life is often adversely affected because of changes in the appearance of the skin, the occurrence of joint contractures that affect movement, and, rarely, serious deformities of the face and extremities.