Which condition is linked to the ridge alteration of fingerprints?

Ridge alteration of fingerprints is primarily associated with scleroderma, which is a connective tissue disorder characterized by the thickening and tightening of the skin. In scleroderma, the skin becomes fibrotic, leading to changes in the dermal layer where fingerprints are formed. This results in alterations in the normal patterns of fingerprints, as the ridges may become less pronounced or distorted.

While other conditions may have dermatological manifestations, they do not typically cause the same consistent changes in the fingerprint pattern as seen in scleroderma. For instance, eczema is primarily an inflammatory skin condition that involves itching, redness, and scaling but does not create permanent alterations to the ridges of fingerprints. Acromegaly, which results from excess growth hormone, can lead to enlarged features but does not have a direct impact on fingerprint ridge patterns. Acanthosis nigricans is a condition characterized by dark, velvety patches of skin but does not alter the ridge structural formation of fingerprints.

Thus, the link between scleroderma and fingerprint ridge alteration is significant, making it the correct choice in this context.