Linear scleroderma: Symptoms, treatments, and finding a specialist
There are two main types of scleroderma: localized, which mainly affects the skin, and systemic, which may also affect the blood vessels and internal organs. Linear scleroderma is a type of localized scleroderma that typically develops in childhood.
Linear scleroderma on the forehead may cause neurological issues. If it develops on an arm or leg, it may inhibit movement of the joint beneath the skin and may affect limb growth in children.
This article explains the symptoms and causes of LS, how serious the condition is, the treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.
According to the National Scleroderma Foundation (NSF), linear scleroderma typically presents as a streak of hardened, waxy skin on the forehead, neck, arm, or leg.
This skin hardening is due to excess collagen. Depending on its severity, it may cause discomfort or changes in appearance.
Other symptoms may vary depending on the part of the body the disease affects. For example, linear lesions on the face may cause additional symptoms, such as:
Linear scleroderma on an arm or leg may limit joint movement in the affected limb and may stunt limb growth and development.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease in which an overactive immune system attacks connective tissues, causing inflammation and damage.
This process triggers an overproduction of the protein collagen, which in turn causes the affected tissue to thicken and scar.
Linear scleroderma is a localized form of scleroderma, meaning it affects a single location on the body.
According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), linear scleroderma often presents in childhood, typically between the ages of 6 and 10 years.
A 2018 report suggests localized sclerodermas may affect around 3 in every 10,000 children in the United States every year. Of these, linear scleroderma is the most common subtype among children.
The NSF states scleroderma may be more common among people with a family history of rheumatic diseases, suggesting a possible genetic link.
According to the NSF, localized sclerodermas rarely spread beyond the skin and muscles. As a result, most cases are relatively mild and rarely develop into systemic scleroderma.
Despite this, linear scleroderma may cause serious symptoms or complications depending on the body part it affects.
If it develops on the head, it can affect the underlying bone, blood vessels, and nerves, causing neurological symptoms. According to the American Journal of Neuroradiology, the most common of these is seizures. Other symptoms may include:
In children, linear scleroderma that develops on an arm or leg can affect joint movement and stunt limb growth. Without prompt treatment, this can have lasting effects on mobility.
While there is no cure for scleroderma, treatments can help manage the symptoms. Even with treatment, linear scleroderma can remain active for years or return after a person stops treatment.
The following treatments may help reduce inflammation and improve skin condition in people with the disease.
Methotrexate suppresses the immune system to help decrease tissue inflammation and damage.
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Doctors may prescribe one of the following oral medications to treat cases of localized scleroderma that are resistant to methotrexate treatment:
Corticosteroids are another type of immunosuppressant. Doctors may administer these medications orally or intravenously.
Intravenous means through a vein. Doctors may deliver medications directly into the bloodstream using an intravenous (IV) drip.
According to the ACR, the following topical treatments may help to reduce skin inflammation or improve the condition or appearance of skin:
Ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy uses a type of ultraviolet light called UVA1 to penetrate the skin and heal tissue damage. Dermatologists use UVA1 because it penetrates the deeper layers of the skin without causing burns.
A 2025 review associated UVA1 phototherapy treatment for scleroderma skin lesions with the following benefits:
Biologics are drugs that derive from living organisms. In localized scleroderma, biologics target specific cells and proteins that contribute to inflammation and thickened skin.
Since biologics can cause severe side effects, doctors may reserve these medications for severe cases of scleroderma or those that are not responding to other treatments.
People should contact a doctor if they or their child develops symptoms of linear scleroderma. Their doctor may refer them to a healthcare professional specializing in autoimmune diseases.
Untreated, this condition can lead to permanent changes in appearance and mobility. Seeking early diagnosis and prompt treatment may improve a person’s outlook.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, most people with localized scleroderma do not experience major health effects, and the long-term outlook for those with the condition is generally good.
However, chronic illnesses can cause stress and anxiety. Changes to the skin’s appearance may also cause psychological distress, such as reduced self-esteem, depression, or body image concerns, which may negatively impact relationships and quality of life.
People with scleroderma may benefit from counseling to address the psychological impact of the condition.
Children with localized scleroderma that impacts their mobility may also benefit from physical and occupational therapy to improve muscle strength and joint flexibility.
People can talk with their doctor or their child’s pediatrician about the different support options for individuals and families affected by scleroderma.
inear scleroderma is a subtype of localized scleroderma. Localized means it affects one location, in this case typically the skin or muscles, and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
In systemic scleroderma, the organs become hard and fibrous, reducing their ability to function effectively.
inear scleroderma is a subtype of localized scleroderma. Localized means it affects one location, in this case typically the skin or muscles, and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
In systemic scleroderma, the organs become hard and fibrous, reducing their ability to function effectively.
According to the ACR, a doctor or pediatrician can diagnose localized sclerodermas with a physical examination. A skin biopsy of the lesion can confirm the diagnosis.
According to the ACR, a doctor or pediatrician can diagnose localized sclerodermas with a physical examination. A skin biopsy of the lesion can confirm the diagnosis.
Linear scleroderma may affect brain function if the streak of hardened, waxy skin develops on the head. This is because the condition can damage blood vessels and nerve fibers in the part of the brain that sits beneath the lesion.
Linear scleroderma may affect brain function if the streak of hardened, waxy skin develops on the head. This is because the condition can damage blood vessels and nerve fibers in the part of the brain that sits beneath the lesion.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, if scleroderma is stable when an affected person becomes pregnant, the pregnancy is unlikely to worsen the condition.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, if scleroderma is stable when an affected person becomes pregnant, the pregnancy is unlikely to worsen the condition.
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body produces excess collagen. Linear scleroderma is a type of localized scleroderma, meaning it affects one location on the body.
Localized sclerodermas are generally mild and do not develop into systemic scleroderma. Nonetheless, linear scleroderma on the head may cause neurological symptoms. On a limb, it may affect limb mobility and stunt limb growth in children.
The long-term outlook for linear scleroderma is generally good with treatment, such as immunosuppressive medications. People may also benefit from supportive therapies to manage the psychological impact of the disease and improve mobility.