Although the cause of scleredema is unknown, it is usually associated with a disease, usually diabetes,[4] a viral illness or strep throat.

[5] The scleredema is usually proposed as a diagnosis based on the appearance of the skin and the patient's medical history.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor performs a skin biopsy, in which hematoxylin and eosin staining will show a thick reticular dermis with thick collagen bundles separated by clear spaces.

[6] The patient's blood may be examined for diseases that may appear after the onset of symptoms, such as multiple myeloma.

[5] Myocarditis resulting as a complication from the disease has been successfully treated with penicillin and steroids.