Scleroderma

Also called: Circumscribed scleroderma, Dermatosclerosis, Morphea, Systemic sclerosis

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Scleroderma is the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

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Summary

Scleroderma means hard skin. It is a group of diseases that cause abnormal growth of connective tissue. Connective tissue is the material inside your body that gives your tissues their shape and helps keep them strong. In scleroderma, the tissue gets hard or thick. It can cause swelling or pain in your muscles and joints.

Symptoms of scleroderma include

Calcium deposits in connective tissues
Raynaud's phenomenon, a narrowing of blood vessels in the hands or feet
Swelling of the esophagus, the tube between your throat and stomach
Thick, tight skin on your fingers
Red spots on your hands and face

No one knows what causes scleroderma. It is more common in women. It can be mild or severe. Doctors diagnose scleroderma using your medical history, a physical exam, lab tests, and a skin biopsy. There is no cure, but various treatments can control symptoms and complications.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Start Here

Scleroderma (American Academy of Family Physicians)Also in Spanish
Scleroderma (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Scleroderma (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Diagnosis and Tests

ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test (National Library of Medicine)Also in Spanish

Treatments and Therapies

Available Treatments for Complications and Conditions Associated with Scleroderma (Scleroderma Research Foundation)

Living With

Coping with Scleroderma (Scleroderma Foundation) - PDF
Eating Well with Scleroderma (Scleroderma Foundation) - PDF

Related Issues

Dental Care in Scleroderma (Scleroderma Foundation) - PDF
Pulmonary Hypertension in Scleroderma (Scleroderma Foundation) - PDF
Scleroderma and Sexuality (Scleroderma Foundation) - PDF

Specifics

Limited Scleroderma (CREST Syndrome) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish
Localized Scleroderma (Scleroderma Foundation) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Morphea (American Osteopathic College of Dermatology)
Systemic Sclerosis: Diffuse and Limited (Scleroderma Foundation) - PDF