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Signs of Induration
Indurated skin generally has the following signs:
The indurated areas commonly appear on the hands and face, but can also be found on the chest, back, abdomen, breasts, or buttocks.
Causes of Induration
The primary underlying causes of skin induration include:
Skin Infections
Several types of skin infections can manifest with symptoms of skin induration. Examples include:
Not only is there an underlying skin condition that can cause infections that exhibit skin induration, but there is also a causative microorganism. According to a Baylor University Medical Center study,staphylococcus aureusis responsible for the majority of skin and soft tissue infections.
Cutaneous Metastatic Cancers
Cutaneous metastasis occurs when cells from a cancer in the body spread to the skin. Metastatic skin lesions may originate from various other types of cancer.
Another source of cutaneous metastasis isskin cancer. In this instance, the primary (or initial) skin cancer spreads/infiltrates to distant areas of the skin.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma(systemic sclerosis) is a rare condition involving inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The disease has three phases, and the second phase involves skin induration. The condition is linked with significant illness and mortality rates.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause a condition called recurrent plantar ulcers, which are ulcers or sores on the bottom of the feet (due to poor circulation to the lower extremities).
Studies have shown that induration on the soft tissue of the feet may cause an increased risk of recurrent foot ulcers in people with diabetes because it results in a decrease in the foot’s ability to absorb shock when a person is bearing weight.
Panniculitis
Panniculitisis an inflammation within the fat tissue of the body. It has many underlying causes, including:
Symptoms of panniculitis may include reddened, tender nodules (indurated areas of the skin) over the chest, abdomen, breasts, face, and buttocks.
Treatment
Treatment of induration of skin varies greatly depending on the underlying cause.
Example treatment options may include:
Supportive Care
Supportive care for conditions involving skin induration can vary greatly, depending on the underlying cause. Examples of supportive care for skin conditions may include:
A Word From Verywell
Many skin conditions require close follow-up care, particularly if symptoms begin to worsen and/or if treatment (such as antibiotics) is ineffective.
Skin infections are commonly resistant to certain types of antibiotics; therefore, if a fever develops, the induration gets larger, or the area becomes reddened and hot to the touch, it is vital to consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Your antibiotic may need to be changed to a different type of medication.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe most commonly affected areas are the hands and face. It can also appear on the chest, back, abdomen, breasts, or buttocks.Exactly what causes scleroderma is unknown. It is considered to be an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues, but what triggers it isn’t clear. In rare cases, it can run in families.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most commonly affected areas are the hands and face. It can also appear on the chest, back, abdomen, breasts, or buttocks.
Exactly what causes scleroderma is unknown. It is considered to be an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues, but what triggers it isn’t clear. In rare cases, it can run in families.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Race E, Berthelot C, Cather JC.Painful nodule with induration and spreading erythema.Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings.2005;18(4):401-404. doi:10.1080/08998280.2005.11928101DermNet NZ.What is cutaneous metastasis?Rheumatology Network.Skin hardening, but is it systemic sclerosis?Brink T.Induration of the diabetic footpad: another risk factor for recurrent neuropathic plantar ulcers - verhärtung der diabetischen fußsohle - eine prädisposition für rezidivierende neuropathische fußgeschwüre.Biomedizinische Technik/Biomedical Engineering.1995;40(7-8):205-209. doi:10.1515/bmte.1995.40.7-8.205Cleveland Clinic.Scleroderma.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Race E, Berthelot C, Cather JC.Painful nodule with induration and spreading erythema.Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings.2005;18(4):401-404. doi:10.1080/08998280.2005.11928101DermNet NZ.What is cutaneous metastasis?Rheumatology Network.Skin hardening, but is it systemic sclerosis?Brink T.Induration of the diabetic footpad: another risk factor for recurrent neuropathic plantar ulcers - verhärtung der diabetischen fußsohle - eine prädisposition für rezidivierende neuropathische fußgeschwüre.Biomedizinische Technik/Biomedical Engineering.1995;40(7-8):205-209. doi:10.1515/bmte.1995.40.7-8.205Cleveland Clinic.Scleroderma.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Race E, Berthelot C, Cather JC.Painful nodule with induration and spreading erythema.Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings.2005;18(4):401-404. doi:10.1080/08998280.2005.11928101DermNet NZ.What is cutaneous metastasis?Rheumatology Network.Skin hardening, but is it systemic sclerosis?Brink T.Induration of the diabetic footpad: another risk factor for recurrent neuropathic plantar ulcers - verhärtung der diabetischen fußsohle - eine prädisposition für rezidivierende neuropathische fußgeschwüre.Biomedizinische Technik/Biomedical Engineering.1995;40(7-8):205-209. doi:10.1515/bmte.1995.40.7-8.205Cleveland Clinic.Scleroderma.
Race E, Berthelot C, Cather JC.Painful nodule with induration and spreading erythema.Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings.2005;18(4):401-404. doi:10.1080/08998280.2005.11928101
DermNet NZ.What is cutaneous metastasis?
Rheumatology Network.Skin hardening, but is it systemic sclerosis?
Brink T.Induration of the diabetic footpad: another risk factor for recurrent neuropathic plantar ulcers - verhärtung der diabetischen fußsohle - eine prädisposition für rezidivierende neuropathische fußgeschwüre.Biomedizinische Technik/Biomedical Engineering.1995;40(7-8):205-209. doi:10.1515/bmte.1995.40.7-8.205
Cleveland Clinic.Scleroderma.
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