Skin Health More Skin Conditions An Overview of Scleredema Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment By Mary Kugler, RN Mary Kugler, RN, is a pediatric nurse whose specialty is caring for children with long-term or severe medical problems. Learn about our editorial process Mary Kugler, RN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD on January 02, 2020 linkedin Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. Learn about our Medical Review Board Leah Ansell, MD on January 02, 2020 Print Scleredema is a relatively rare skin disorder in which the skin thickens and hardens, sometimes with a red discoloration. What causes scleredema is not known. It is often associated with diabetes, and among people with diabetes, men are affected much more often than women (10:1). Scleredema may occur after a viral illness or streptococcal throat infection, and in these cases, females are affected twice as often as males. Despite being sometimes called scleredema adultorum, the disorder occurs in individuals of all ages and all ethnic backgrounds. skynesher / Vetta / Getty Images Symptoms When scleredema occurs, the affected area of skin becomes thickened and hardened. It may become red or darkened in color, and may look rough like the skin of an orange (called peau d’orange). In most cases, scleredema begins on the face, neck, or upper back. It may spread to the arms or chest, but the hands and feet are not usually affected. Other symptoms may occur depending on the area affected: Face: Difficulty in opening the eyes or mouthSkin over joints: Limited motionTongue: Difficulty speaking or chewing In some individuals, scleredema affects not just skin but other body parts such as the heart, liver, spleen, muscles, or throat. Diagnosis Scleredema is usually suspected based on the appearance of the skin and the medical history of the individual (such as having diabetes or a recent infection). A skin sample (biopsy) is taken and examined under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Other tests may be performed, such as a throat culture to look for streptococcal throat infection and blood glucose to test for diabetes. Another special blood test is sometimes done to check for a blood disease such as multiple myeloma, which may appear after scleredema begins. Treatment Many different types of medications have been tried as treatments for scleredema, but no one medication has been proven to be best. Individuals may benefit from corticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, UVA1 phototherapy, or psoralen with ultraviolet light A. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be required. If diabetes is present, it should be controlled with diet, exercise, and medication. Physical therapy may help if any movement of body parts is restricted. Individuals who develop scleredema after infection tend to have a shorter course of the disease, with symptoms resolving within 6 months to 2 years. Individuals with diabetes who develop scleredema have symptoms for a longer period of time, often many years. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit