Etymed
scleroderma
Definition
A connective tissue disease characterized by hardening and thickening of the skin
Clinical context
A 45-year-old woman presents with progressive thickening and tightness of her fingers and face over the past 6 months. Her skin feels hardened and she has difficulty bending her fingers. Physical examination reveals tight, waxy skin that does not indent when pinched. Laboratory studies show positive antinuclear antibodies and anti-Scl-70 antibodies.
Mnemonic
Scleroderma = 'SCLEROS' (hard) + 'DERMA' (skin) = hard skin disease