stiff skin syndrome

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Disease Overview

A rare syndrome characterized by hard, thick skin, usually on the entire body. 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. Other signs and symptoms may include excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis), loss of body fat (lipodystrophy), scoliosis, muscle weakness, slow growth, and short stature. Weakness or paralysis of the eye muscles have also been reported. Stiff skin syndrome is caused by mutations (changes) in the FBN1 gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Diagnosis is based on a clinical evaluation that is consistent with stiff skin syndrome, and the diagnosis can be confirmed with genetic testing. Treatment is based on the symptoms of each individual and may include physical therapy.


Synonyms

  • SSKS
  • STIFF skin syndrome
  • stiff skin syndrome

GARD Disease Summary

The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) has information and resources for patients, caregivers, and families that may be helpful before and after diagnosis of this condition. GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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Orphanet

Orphanet has a summary about this condition that may include information on the diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as other resources. Some of the information and resources are available in languages other than English. The summary may include medical terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. Orphanet is the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research and the Health Programme of the European Union.

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OMIM

Online Mendelian Inheritance In Man (OMIM) has a summary of published research about this condition and includes references from the medical literature. The summary contains medical and scientific terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. OMIM is authored and edited at the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

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