Sclerodactyly

Sclerodactyly is thickening and tightening of the skin on the fingers or toes, often limiting movement. It commonly occurs in systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis: A chronic autoimmune disease marked by fibrosis, small-vessel damage, and immune-system abnormalities. Sclerodactyly is a characteristic skin manifestation of this disease.
Modified Rodnan skin score: A clinical scoring method that grades skin thickness by palpation at 17 body sites. It provides a standardized way to assess skin thickening in systemic sclerosis.
Morphea: A localized form of scleroderma that causes patches of hardened skin without the systemic features of systemic sclerosis. Morphea can cause skin hardening but usually does not produce the characteristic finger pattern.
Limited joint mobility: Reduced movement at a joint because of changes in surrounding tissues or the joint itself. Tight skin over the fingers can make bending or straightening difficult.
Cutaneous fibrosis: Excessive connective-tissue deposition that thickens and stiffens the skin. Fibrosis in finger skin produces the characteristic thickening and tightness.
Nailfold capillaroscopy: A technique that magnifies capillaries near the fingernails to reveal patterns of microvascular injury. Abnormal capillaries can support evaluation for systemic sclerosis associated with sclerodactyly.
Scleromyxedema: A rare disorder involving waxy papules and diffuse skin thickening, usually associated with a monoclonal gammopathy. It can mimic scleroderma-like skin thickening but has different clinical features and associations.
Acro-osteolysis: Resorption of the terminal portions of bones in the fingers or toes. In systemic sclerosis, severe vascular and tissue changes associated with sclerodactyly may accompany bone loss.
Collagen: A family of structural proteins that provides strength and support to connective tissues. Excess collagen deposition contributes to the firm skin of sclerodactyly.
Digital ulcer: A break in the skin of a finger or toe, often caused by impaired blood flow or injury. Vascular damage and tight skin can contribute to painful fingertip ulcers.

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