Thickening and induration of the skin caused by new collagen formation, with atrophy of pilosebaceous follicles; either a manifestation of progressive systemic sclerosis or localized (morphea). See systemic sclerosis, morphea. SYN: systemic s., systemic sclerosis (2). [sclero- + G. derma, skin]
- linear s. localized s. with band-like lesions of skin with induration, atrophy, hyper- or hypopigmentation, which may be disfiguring with extension into underlying tissues and joint contractures. Involvement of the forehead and scalp has been called coup de sabre (q.v.). SYN: morphea linearis.
- progressive familial s. [MIM*181750] a syndrome characterized by calcinosis cutis, Raynaud phenomenon, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia; usually due to s.; autosomal dominant form of progressive systemic sclerosis.
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sclero·der·ma .skler-ə-'dər-mə n, pl -mas or -ma·ta -mət-ə a usu. slowly progressive disease marked by the deposition of fibrous connective tissue in the skin and often in internal organs and structures, by hand and foot pain upon exposure to cold, and by tightening and thickening of the skin called also dermatosclerosis
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n.
thickening of the skin, either localized (see morphoea) or generalized, resulting in waxy ivory-coloured areas. Treatment is unsatisfactory, but spontaneous resolution may occur. The cause is unknown, but scleroderma may well be an autoimmune disease. systemic sclerosis is a related multisystem disorder, which may occur as part of the CREST syndrome.
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scle·ro·der·ma (sklēr″o-durґmə) [sclero- + derma] 1. chronic hardening and thickening of the skin, a finding in various different diseases; there are two primary forms: localized scleroderma and 2. systemic scleroderma. Called also dermatosclerosis. systemic s.Medical dictionary. 2011.