Localized scleroderma is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the dermis and subcutaneous fat that ultimately leads to a
scar-like
sclerosis of connective tissue. The disorder manifests as various plaques of different shape and size with signs of skin
inflammation,
sclerosis, and
atrophy. This is a relatively rare inflammatory disease characterized by a chronic course, unknown etiology, and insufficiently clear pathogenesis. Many factors may influence its appearance:
trauma, genetic factors, disorders of the immune system or
hormone metabolism,
viral infections, toxic substances or
pharmaceutical agents, neurogenic factors, and
Borrelia burgdorferi infection. Various therapeutic modalities are being used for the treatment of
localized scleroderma. There is no precise treatment scheme for this disease. A majority of patients can be successfully treated with topical
pharmaceutical agents and
phototherapy, but some of them with progressive, disseminated, and causing disability
localized scleroderma are in need of systemic treatment. The aim of this article is not only to dispute about the clinical and morphological characteristics of
localized scleroderma, but also to present the newest generalized data about the possible origin, pathogenesis, and treatment modalities of this disease.