# Sclerosing diseases of the skin

## TL;DR

This review discusses various skin diseases that cause fibrosis, their symptoms, and treatment options.

## Contribution

The paper provides a detailed overview of the four most common sclerosing skin diseases and their management.

## Key findings

- Sclerosing skin diseases can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
- The review covers pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment approaches for these conditions.

## Abstract

Sclerosing skin diseases comprise a group of distinct dermatological conditions characterized by fibrotic changes that may severely impair patients’ quality of life. These conditions often present with cutaneous manifestations and, in some cases, may extend to extracutaneous tissues, potentially resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. This review explores the current understanding of the four most prevalent sclerosing skin diseases – localized scleroderma (morphea), systemic sclerosis (SSc), scleromyxedema, and scleredema adultorum of Buschke – as well as sclerotic conditions induced by external agents. Here, we discuss the pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and disease course of these entities. In addition, diagnostic tools and treatment options are addressed in detail.