Could a simple light scan replace the skin pinch test for scleroderma?

This study is testing a new, non-invasive imaging technique called spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) to measure skin thickness in people with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that causes skin hardening. Currently, doctors assess skin fibrosis by pinching the skin, which is subjective and varies between doctors. The study will compare SFDI with standard methods like the modified Rodnan skin score, skin biopsies, and ultrasound over 3 years in 78 participants, including healthy controls. If SFDI works well, it could become a rapid, objective tool for monitoring disease activity.