What autoimmune disorder is characterized by difficulty moving and stiffening of the skin?

• A. Lupus
• B. Scleroderma
• C. Rheumatoid arthritis
• D. Sjogren syndrome

Answer: (B)

Difficulty moving and stiffening of the skin points to scleroderma, an autoimmune connective tissue disease where the immune system drives excessive collagen production. This causes fibrosis, so the skin becomes thick, tight, and inelastic, pulling on underlying structures and reducing range of motion. The impact is often seen in the fingers and face, leading to limited movement and restricted mouth opening (sclerodactyly). Some forms also affect internal organs, but the skin changes themselves are the hallmark described. While lupus can affect the skin, it does not typically produce the pronounced, global skin tightening seen with scleroderma; rheumatoid arthritis mainly causes joint inflammation, and Sjogren syndrome is characterized by glandular dryness.