Acid mucopolysaccharide staining in scleredema

We studied 26 formalin-fixed biopsy specimens taken from 22 patients with scleredema and found positive staining in 67% of the tissues when both colloidal iron and alcian blue methods were used. Single stains were positive in only half the tissues. Positive findings were noted in both patients with diabetes (11 patients) and in those without it (11 patients). Our experience indicates that multiple biopsies may be necessary to demonstrate mucin in the dermis. Specimens obtained by incisional biopsy are preferred.