CASE REPORTS   

Esperienze Dermatologiche 2013 March;15(1):17-22

Copyright © 2013 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Digital ulcers in systemic scleroderma

De Giacomo P. ¹, Mazzuca S. ², Valenti G. ¹

¹ S.O.C. Dermatologia e Venereologia, Azienda Ospedaliera “Pugliese Ciaccio”, Catanzaro, Italia; ² S.O.C. Medicina Generale, Azienda Ospedaliera “Pugliese Ciaccio”, Catanzaro, Italia

The systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder whose pathogenesis is not yet fully elucidated, classically based on three elements: vasculopathy, fibrosis of the skin and internal organs and inflammation. Digital ulcers (UD) are cutaneous manifestations that complicate SSc and they are characterized by loss of substance that can affect the skin, but also the subcutaneous tissue. The lesions are very painful and involve substantial functional disability through the hands of patients which, in many cases, are forced to change or lose their jobs. They are often difficult to treat and in most cases recur. Therefore they require treatment with holistic approach. The approach requires measures both general and pharmacological as well as an adequate treatment of a local nature. The authors describe two cases among many come to their attention and discuss issues related to the proper management them.