[How I explore ... A cutaneous scleroderma using noninvasive methods]

Abstract

There exists several clinical types of scleroderma. Most of them show cutaneous manifestations. Skin involvement may be isolated (morphea) or be part of a multi-organ systemic disease. Objective non-invasive functional methods are useful in order to better assess the severity and evolution of the disease and the effects of treatments. Measurements of the thickness and mechanical properties of the skin as well as the visualization of the cutaneous blood flow prove to be informative.