International Journal of Clinical & Medical Images

Clinical Presentation: Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease, characterized by thickening as well as hardening of the skin. It may also involve internal organs. We present here a case (Figure) of a young female, aged 32 years, who reported to Glocal Hospital, Krishnanagore, West Bengal, India, in early April, 2016, and manifested extensive reddish skin rashes, which were itching, for the past 2 years. She has lost considerable body weight and now finding it difficult to swallow solid food. Her skin in the face and throat were thickening and hardening. She could not open her mouth completely. She also exhibited Raynaud’s phenomenon. She was positive for many autoimmune markers, e.g., Antibody to Scl-70 (antibody ratio 10.61), Anti-nuclear Antibody, and Anti-DsDNA Antibody and negative for Serum Rheumatoid Factor. A diagnosis of diffuse Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) was made. The rashes improved with prednisolone therapy. She was stigmatized.