What is the pathology?
In typical and advanced cases both the true skin and the subcutaneous connective tissue show a marked increase of connective tissue-element, with thickening and condensation of the fibers.
Is there any difficulty in reaching a diagnosis in scleroderma?
As a rule, no. The characters—rigidity, stiffness, hardness, and hide-bound condition of the skin—are always distinctive.
The peculiar appearance, the course and character of the patches, of morphœa are quite distinctive.
Give the prognosis of scleroderma.
It should always be guarded. In many instances recovery takes place, whilst in others the disease is rebellious, lasting indefinitely. The prognosis of the variety known as morphœa is less unfavorable than general scleroderma, and recovery more frequent.
What is the treatment of scleroderma?
Tonics, such as arsenic, quinia, nux vomica, and cod-liver oil; conjointly with the local employment of stimulating, oily or fatty applications, friction, and electricity. Röntgen-ray treatment is often of value, more especially in the morphœa type.