A cosmetologist with systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Scleroderma is a rare disease. This case report highlights its occurrence in a cosmetologist raising the possibility of exposure to organic solvents as a cause as well as the myriad of clinical presentations in such patients. The diagnosis was made using the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for scleroderma. The essential features were those of widespread hypo and hyperpigmented (‘salt and pepper’) skin lesions, healed digital ulcers, proximal myopathy, gastrointestinal manifestations, extensive skin fibrosis and tendon friction rub. She tested positive to anti nuclear antibodies with a nucleolar pattern and antibodies to Scl-70 was positive. Her lung function test revealed a restrictive pattern.

Keywords: Scleroderma, Cosmetologist, 'salt and pepper appearance'