IHATE MYBODY.’’ This refrain was frequently
uttered by James, a 12-year-old boy with linear
scleroderma (LS), a rare autoimmune disease of
undefined cause, characterized by unsightly skin
lesions and joint problems that can be severe
(Uziel, Miller & Laxer, 1995). This article briefly
outlines aspects of scleroderma and describes James’
treatment in detail by using the Neuman systems
model and nursing diagnoses as unifying frameworks
for the discussion. An important purpose of
the article is to offer patients and families a broad
array of suggestions about the management of this
illness.