Scleroderma is a lifelong disease. It causes damage to the structures that support and protect the body. It can cause skin and other structures to thicken and stiffen. This can happen in the skin, joints, and internal organs.
There are 3 types:
The body makes too much collagen and other proteins. This causes changes in the skin, tissues, and organs. It’s not clear why this happens. The immune system may be too active, leading to the overproduction.
Scleroderma is more common in women.
The most common age groups are:
Your chances are also higher if you:
Problems are contained to the skin. It doesn’t involve the organs. The skin problems may go away on their own. It may take a few months or years. For some, damage can be permanent. Skin problems may involve:
Systemic disease may be limited or diffuse. The limited type can start slowly. Most often, it involves RP. Cold or emotional stress cause swelling, numbness, and color changes in the fingers and toes. Over time, the skin may thicken.
The diffuse type comes on faster. It spreads to the skin and organs. Other problems of this type:
The diffuse type can cause problems all over the body. This may involve:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your answers and a skin exam will point to scleroderma. You may also have:
There is no cure for scleroderma. Care focuses on easing symptoms.
Your doctor may advise these or other medicines to treat:
Other care may involve:
There is no way to prevent scleroderma because the exact cause is unknown.
Scleroderma Foundation
Scleroderma Research Foundation
Arthritis Society
Scleroderma Canada
Kreuter A, Hyun J, Stücker M, Sommer A, Altmeyer P, Gambichler T. A randomized controlled study of low-dose UVA1, medium-dose UVA1, and narrowband UVB phototherapy in the treatment of localized scleroderma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(3):440-447.
Localized scleroderma. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114314/Lo...ized-scleroderma. Updated June 7, 2017. Accessed June 20, 2018.
Mathai SC, Girgis RE, Fisher MR, et al. Addition of sildenafil to bosentan monotherapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir J. 2007;29(3):469-475.
Rodriguez-Reyna TS, Alarcon-Segovia D. Overlap syndromes in the context of shared autoimmunity. Autoimmunity. 2005;38(3):219-223.
Scleroderma. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scleroderma. Accessed June 20, 2018.
Systemic sclerosis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116347...stemic-sclerosis. Updated March 22, 2018. Accessed June 20, 2018.
What is scleroderma? Scleroderma Foundation website. Available at: http://www.scleroderma.org/site/PageNavigator/patients_whatis.html#.Wy58BVVKhxA. Accessed June 20, 2018.
11/9/2015 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116347...stemic-sclerosis: Kuo CF, Grainge MJ, Valdes AM, et al. Familial aggregation of systemic lupus erythematosus and coaggregation of autoimmune diseases in affected families. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(9):1518-1526.
Last reviewed June 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcie L. Sidman, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.