National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Scleredema


Other Names:
Scleredema adultorum; Scleredema adultorum of Buschke; Scleredema diabeticorum; Scleredema adultorum; Scleredema adultorum of Buschke; Scleredema diabeticorum; Scleredema diabeticorum of Buschke; Buschke's scleredema See More
Scleredema is a form of cutaneous mucinosis, a diverse group of rare skin conditions that are characterized by an accumulation of mucin (a jelly-like complex carbohydrate substance) in the skin. Signs and symptoms of this condition include hardening and thickening of the skin which may restrict movement. Skin in affected areas may be red or brown and often has an 'orange-skin' appearance. There are three forms of the condition which vary by disease course and long term outlook (prognosis). Although the underlying cause is currently unknown, each form is associated with a different condition: infection (type 1), blood abnormalities (type 2), and diabetes (type 3). In some cases, scleredema resolves spontaneously on its own, while in other affected people, the condition persists for long periods of time. Due to the rarity of the condition, there is no standard treatment.[1][2]
Last updated: 4/2/2017

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Scleredema. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Dr Julie Smith MBChB. Scleredema. DermNet New Zealand. February 2016; http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/scleredema.
  2. Lisa K Pappas-Taffer, MD. Scleredema. Medscape Reference. June 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1066175-overview.