Scleroderma diabeticorum: a case report

Scleroderma diabeticorum is a rare dermatological condition that is found in patients with poorly controlled long-standing diabetes. This is characterized by symmetrical, wooden non-pitting induration of the neck, and the upper parts of the shoulders and back. Aetiology of the scleroderma diabeticorum is not well understood. However, the hyperglycaemia-related fibroblast proliferation and extra-cellular ground substance formation is thought to be the main reason for the associated skin changes. Treatment of this condition is a challenge. Good glycaemia control has demonstrated partial resolution in some individuals. However, some studies have not shown any improvement with good glycaemic control. Phototherapy with UVA-1, immunosuppressive drugs and frequency modulated electromagnetic neural stimulation (FREMS) have been successful to a reasonable extent in some patients.