Computerized evaluation of skin stiffening in scleroderma.

Modern non-invasive biometrological methods have proven to be helpful in monitoring some skin disorders. The present study was designed to evaluate the mechanical properties of skin in systemic scleroderma. The Cutometer SM 474 was used to measure the rheological properties of the skin in 33 patients suffering from scleroderma. The most prominent abnormality consisted in a marked reduction in skin extensibility. Changes occurring in time objectivate the evolution of the disease. Measuring the mechanical properties of skin in patients with scleroderma may be useful in monitoring the disease and its treatment.