Connective tissue diseases

The classic connective tissue diseases (lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and scleroderma) have been described with respect to their pathogenesis, clinical picture, laboratory diagnosis, and management. Because the aim of this volume is to provide an interface between plastic surgery and dermatology, the cutaneous manifestations, both shared and pathognomonic for each of these diseases, have been emphasized. An attempt has been made to point out opportunities for surgical management of some of the problems associated with these diseases.