SKIN INVOLVEMENT IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS AND ITS CO-OCCURRENCE WITH SYSTEMIC MANIFESTATIONS

Abstract

Microangiopathy, immune activation, and progressive fibrosis are the central pathogenic mechanisms in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Skin induration is the hallmark clinical feature of the disease, which may extend from the fingers to the face and proximal trunk, and is accompanied by hyperpigmentation, perioral changes, trophic-dystrophic signs, and contractures. Integrated assessment of the skin phenotype alongside vascular and internal organ involvement is essential for determining disease severity and selecting individualised monitoring strategies.