Abstract

Stiff skin syndrome (also known as "Congenital fascial dystrophy") is a cutaneous condition characterized by ‘rock hard’ induration, thickening of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, limited joint mobility, and mild hypertrichosis in infancy or early childhood. Immunologic abnormalities or vascular hyperactivity are not present in patients.

Not much is known about it, cause or treatment, as it has only been reported 41 times throughout history. Not much is known about this, and further investigation is required.According to news reports on one particular patient by name of Jaiden Rogers, the patient's skin hardens in some places, and it slowly spreads over the surrounding area. For Rogers, it's spreading over the back, legs, and hips, inhibiting his ability to walk. He say it hurts, but finds it difficult to describe the sensations further. Currently, it appears that chemotherapy similar to that used for cancer is slowing the spread, but it also appears that once the skin has hardened it cannot revert to its healthy flexible state. Physical therapy also appears to help. Further investigation is required.