Sclerodactyly
Type: Symptom
Definition
The severe, pathological tightening and thickening of the skin specifically over the fingers and toes.
Clinical Details
Massive collagen deposits replace the normal, loose connective tissue of the digits, shrinking the skin tightly around the underlying bones. The fingers lose all their natural wrinkles and become incredibly shiny, hard, and firmly locked into a slightly curled, claw-like position. This profound loss of joint flexibility completely destroys the patient's fine motor dexterity.