Scleriasis

Scleriasis is an acute affection of the skin, characterized by the sudden development of a curious scleroid condition over an extensive surface. In a few days the greater part of the integument of the chest, abdomen, or back may, without change of color or any inflammatory symptoms, become rigid and firmly bound down to the tissues beneath. It appears to have absolutely lost its elasticity, and to be so firmly attached that it is as impossible to raise or pinch it up in folds as it would be to pinch up paint or varnish from a board.

This condition may exist in varying extent and of varying degrees of severity for several weeks, when a gradual return to the normal may ensue.

The prognosis is good, as the cases usually recover.

The etiology is obscure, but the affection is probably of rheumatic origin.