What is linear scleroderma?

Also known as: localized scleroderma, linear systemic sclerosis.

While there are many medical conditions that can present with tightening and thickening of the skin, the term “Scleroderma” (hard skin) is usually used to describe a rare autoimmune disease (where the body’s normal defense mechanisms against bacteria and viruses attacks its own tissues and organs) that causes an increased production of dense, tough, hard, scar-like tissue to replace normal tissue. Two broad forms exist:

Localized, the one most commonly found in children, and which damages the skin, muscle, bones and joints. There are 3 types of localized scleroderma of which “ linear scleroderma” is one type.
Systemic scleroderma, a more severe form of the disease, rarely seen in children which damages internal organ damage. One form does not turn into the other!

Reviewed by: Ana Margarita Duarte, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM