Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;10(3):256-259
Systemic sclerosis (SE) is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Of unknown etiology, it is characterized by sclerosis (fibrosis), which affects the skin, blood vessels and internal organs. The diagnosis is confirmed by a compatible clinical picture, autoantibody research and capillaroscopy of the nail bed. The present report highlights the importance of the dermatologist physician in the diagnosis of systemic diseases. Based on the observation of the skin – which is visible and palpable in all of its dimensions – and in the interpretation of all its signs, it is possible to conclude that it can reveal early internal disorders that could develop unnoticeably.
Keywords: Scleroderma, systemic; Fibrosis; Autoantibodies