ABSTRACT
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by multisystem fibrosis associated with vasculopathy and inflammation. Sclerosis of the skin dominates the clinical picture of SSc, which may be a feature of many other disorders as well. Isolated primary SSc should also be differentiated from several overlap syndromes and mixed connective tissue disease, wherein features of other collagen vascular disorders co-exist. Release of silica into the surrounding skin following local silicone gel injections for breast augmentation has been associated with a development of either localized morpheform lesions, or a more systemic disease resembling SSc. Principal features differentiating eosinophilic fasciitis from SSc are the absence of Raynaud’s phenomenon, systemic involvement, and nailfold capillary changes. Localized asymmetrical thickening of the skin may also be seen in SSc when other disorders with such manifestations may have to be differentiated.
