Skin Manifestations of Rheumatological Diseases
December 2023
in “
Rheumatology quarterly
”
TLDR Skin changes are key for early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatic diseases often manifest in the skin, mucosa, hair, and nails, which are critical for early diagnosis and management. Specific skin findings, such as Gottron papules in dermatomyositis and telangiectasia in systemic sclerosis, aid in disease classification and treatment. Dermatomyositis features distinct skin symptoms and subtypes based on muscle and skin involvement, while systemic sclerosis is marked by fibrosis and microvascular damage, leading to skin thickening and other symptoms. The document highlights the importance of collaboration between rheumatologists and dermatologists for early detection and effective management of these conditions.