Localized scleroderma (morphoea): studies of eccrine gland function and skin microtopography.

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe function of eccrine sweat glands was studied in 12 patients with morphoea by two methods: paper‐disc collection of sweat following pilocarpine iontophoresis, and microscopical counting of sweat pores in a rubber base imprint taken with a material with a comparatively long cure time (Coe‐flexR regular). Control samples were obtained from normal appearing skin of the same individuals. In morphoea plaques, the secretion of sweat per 30 minutes as well as the number of sweat pores per cm2 were reduced (p<0.01, p<0.01). The correlation between the two methods was poor. After pilocarpine iontophoresis, the sweat pore count decreased in scleroderma skin (p<0.01) indicating gland fatigue. Concentrations of sodium and potassium in sweat appeared normal in the plaques as well as in the control sites. Results of the experiments were, altogether, in agreement with the histology showing sweat gland atrophy.Skin microtopography microscopy showed absence of the normal crease pattern to be an obligatory finding in morphoea plaques, sometimes with longitudinal orientation of creases in surrounding skin.Microscopy of skin surface imprints may be valuable as a supplementary method for assessment of skin and sweat gland affliction in scleroderma.