This skin thickening is often part of the skin's normal protection against rubbing, pressure and other forms of local irritation. Pachyderma: Thick skin, like that of a pachyderm (an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus). Or click on "See All Conditions" to see every condition related to skin hardening. WebMD Symptom Checker helps you find the most common symptom combinations and medical conditions related to skin hardening. Stiff skin syndrome (SSS) is a rare syndrome characterized by hard, thick skin, usually on the entire body. The skin turns red, painful, hot to the touch, and may even peel away. 3. The following information is about the condition systemic sclerosis, in which skin and connective tissue inside the body are affected. It's hard to know how much time is safe in the sun, though, even with sunscreen protection. The thickening of the skin can limit joint mobility and causes joints to be stuck in a bent position (flexion contractures).The onset of signs and symptoms can range from presenting at birth through childhood. On the hands, you’ll notice tight, waxy skin on the backs of your hands. Also known as excoriation disorder and skin-picking disorder, dermatillomania is a psychological condition that manifests as repetitive, compulsive skin picking. An actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. Click on the combination that matches your symptoms to find the conditions that may cause these problems. When scleroderma only affects the skin, it is considered "localized." Systemic sclerosis is not to be confused with a separate condition called localised scleroderma, which just affects the skin. The term scleroderma comes from the Greek skleros, meaning hard, and derma, meaning skin. This outer layer contains a tough, protective protein called keratin. The word scleroderma, which is an older term, specifically means hard skin. Pachyderma can occur in several medical conditions, such as chronic lymphedema.. From the Greek pachydermos meaning "thick skin" from pachys meaning "thick" + derma meaning "skin." With time they may become hard with a wartlike surface. Hard, thickening skin. The adjective is pachydermatous. When this develops on the fingers, toes, or both, the medical name for this condition is digital sclerosis. Scleroderma is a group of conditions affecting approximately 300,000 people in the United States. History and examination involve making an assessment of the condition, including describing it. The word “scleroderma” comes from two Greek words: “sclero” meaning hard, and “derma” meaning skin. Repeated sunburns, especially as a child, can boost the risk for skin cancer later in life. The fingers can become stiff and difficult to move. Hardening of the skin is one of the most visible manifestations of the disease. It causes calluses and corns on … Skin hardening. Skin condition caused by excessive sweating. Scleroderma is a long-lasting autoimmune disease that affects your skin, connective tissue, and internal organs. Hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the outer layer of the skin. See All Conditions The skin is affected by a vast number of insults and diseases, including genetic and metabolic abnormalities as well as infections and yet there is a limited number of ways in which it can respond. Infection Inflammatory condition caused by the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, … Hyperkeratosis Hard, callused dead tissue built up by the body in an areas of pressure or friction. It … It's often found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck or back of the hands. 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