Scleroderma

Minimize your symptoms of painful system-wide inflammation

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder affecting the connective tissue that supports your skin and internal organs. When you have scleroderma, your body essentially attacks itself in a process involving inflammation and the buildup of collagen.

There are two main types of Scleroderma: localized and systemic. Localized scleroderma primarily causes discoloring and thickening of the skin but does not affect the internal organs. Systemic scleroderma can affect not only the skin, but also the blood vessels and major organs, including the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Scientists do not know what causes scleroderma, but they believe some people may have a genetic predisposition that can be triggered by unknown environmental factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of systemic scleroderma may include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Joint stiffness and pain
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which the fingers or toes change color, often in response to cold
  • Skin tightening and thickening
  • Shortness of breath

Scleroderma can occur at any age, but typically emerges between ages 30 and 50. Approximately 75 percent of those diagnosed with the disease are women.

Overview

There are two main types of Scleroderma: localized and systemic. Localized scleroderma primarily causes discoloring and thickening of the skin but does not affect the internal organs. Systemic scleroderma can affect not only the skin, but also the blood vessels and major organs, including the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Scientists do not know what causes scleroderma, but they believe some people may have a genetic predisposition that can be triggered by unknown environmental factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of systemic scleroderma may include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Joint stiffness and pain
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which the fingers or toes change color, often in response to cold
  • Skin tightening and thickening
  • Shortness of breath

Scleroderma can occur at any age, but typically emerges between ages 30 and 50. Approximately 75 percent of those diagnosed with the disease are women.

No single test can diagnose scleroderma. Your physician will use medical history, physical examination and laboratory studies, including blood tests and skin biopsy, to determine whether you have the condition.

Scleroderma can be challenging to diagnose and manage because of the wide range of symptoms it can produce and the numerous body systems it can affect.

Diagnosis

No single test can diagnose scleroderma. Your physician will use medical history, physical examination and laboratory studies, including blood tests and skin biopsy, to determine whether you have the condition.

Scleroderma can be challenging to diagnose and manage because of the wide range of symptoms it can produce and the numerous body systems it can affect.

Although there is no cure for scleroderma, IU Health physicians provide treatment based on your specific disease manifestations with the goal of minimizing symptoms, preventing long-term damage to the body and helping you maintain your functioning and quality of life. Many of the therapies used for scleroderma target specific symptoms, such as acid reflux and high blood pressure.

Common treatment options for scleroderma include:

Corticosteroids

Prednisone and similar synthetic hormones can be useful in reducing pain and inflammation.

Immune Suppressants

Several types of medicines to suppress the immune system can be used to help control problems of the skin and internal organs caused by scleroderma.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Available in both over-the-counter and prescription versions, these medications can help to relieve pain and inflammation associated with scleroderma.

Treatment

Although there is no cure for scleroderma, IU Health physicians provide treatment based on your specific disease manifestations with the goal of minimizing symptoms, preventing long-term damage to the body and helping you maintain your functioning and quality of life. Many of the therapies used for scleroderma target specific symptoms, such as acid reflux and high blood pressure.

Common treatment options for scleroderma include:

Corticosteroids

Prednisone and similar synthetic hormones can be useful in reducing pain and inflammation.

Immune Suppressants

Several types of medicines to suppress the immune system can be used to help control problems of the skin and internal organs caused by scleroderma.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Available in both over-the-counter and prescription versions, these medications can help to relieve pain and inflammation associated with scleroderma.

Related Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Scleroderma

Patient Stories for Scleroderma

Scleroderma Foundation

This national group has compiled information for patients as part of its mission of scleroderma support, education and research.

Resources

Scleroderma Foundation

This national group has compiled information for patients as part of its mission of scleroderma support, education and research.