Interestingly, scleroderma usually affects the distal esophagus. There was no esophageal biopsy performed on this patient. Death from scleredema is uncommon. However, reports of patients dying from the complications of visceral involvement as well as extensive skin disease have surfaced. There is no racial predilection.
Scleredema occurs in individuals of all ages.
The initial skin changes of scleredema occur on the face, neck or upper back. Patients may report difficulty smiling, opening their mouths, wrinkling their foreheads, or limited range of motion. The skin changes tend to spread distally, and are usually confined to the upper body. There is a report, however, of scleredema localized on the thighs. The hands and feet are typically spared.