iasis; Dermatosclerosis; Morph[oe]a; Keloid
of Addison.)

#What is scleroderma?#

Scleroderma is an acute or chronic disease of the skin characterized by
a localized or general, more or less diffuse, usually pigmented, rigid,
stiffened, indurated or hide-bound condition.

Morph[oe]a, by some formerly thought to be a distinct affection, is now
believed to be a form of scleroderma; as typically met with it is
characterized by one or more rounded, oval, or elongate, coin- to
palm-sized, pinkish, or whitish ivory-looking patches. In some instances
such patches are seen in association with the more classic type of
scleroderma just defined.

#Describe the symptoms of ordinary scleroderma.#

The disease may be acute or chronic, usually the latter. A portion or
almost the entire surface may be involved, or it may occupy variously
sized and shaped areas. The integument becomes more or less rigid and
indurated, hard to the touch, hide-bound, and in marked cases immobile.
[OE]dema may, especially in the more acute cases, precede the
induration. Pigmentation, of a yellowish or brownish color, is often a
precursory and accompanying symptom. The skin feels tight and
contracted, and in some instances numbness and cramp-like pains are
complained of.

#Describe the variety known as morph[oe]a.#

The patches (one, several, or more), occurring most frequently about the
trunk, are in the beginning usually slightly hyperaemic, later becoming
pale-yellowish or white, and having a pinkish or lilac border made up of
minute capillaries. They are, as a rule, sharply defined, with a smooth,
often shining and atrophic-looking surface; are soft, fine or leathery
to the touch, on a level or somewhat depressed, and appearing not unlike
a piece of bacon or ivory laid in the skin. Occasionally the patches are
noted to occur over nerve-tracts. The adjacent skin may be normal or
there may be more or less yellowish or brownish mottling. The subjective
symptoms of tingling, itching, numbness, and even pain, may or may not
be present.

#What is the course of the disease?#

Sooner or later, usually after months or years, the disease ends in
resolution and recovery, or in marked atrophic changes, causing
contraction and deformity. As a rule, the general health remains good.

#State the causes of scleroderma.#

The condition is to be considered as probably of neurotic origin.
Exposure and shock to the ner