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Dec 18, 2023 · Updated on December 18, 2023. Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD. Print. Table of Contents. Localized Scleroderma. Systemic Sclerosis. Other Symptoms. Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition in which the body produces too much collagen.
The following images let you see some of the ways it can affect your skin. Hard, thickening, or tight skin. This trait is what gives scleroderma its name. Some people develop 1 or 2 patches of hard, thick skin. Others have widespread patches on their body. The hard, thick skin can feel anchored in place.
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- Skin
- Fingers and Toes
- Digestive System
- Heart, Lungs, and Kidneys
It is very commonTrusted Sourceto experience hardening and tightening of patches of your skin with SS. The patches may be oval-shaped or a straight line that can cover large areas of your skin. Your skin may also appear shinysince it’s so tight with your movement restricted.
Raynaud’s phenomenon results from limited cutaneous systemic scleroderma. Here, you will see small blood vessels in your fingers and toes start to constrict, or shrink, in response to cold temperatures or certain emotions. As a result, your fingers and toes may become painful, turn blue, or go numb.
SS affects all or some parts of your digestive tract. If the esophagus is involved, you may experience heartburn or swallowing difficulty. Your intestines may also be affected. In that case, you may experience: 1. cramps 2. bloating 3. diarrhea 4. constipation In your intestines, your body absorbs the nutrients it needs to function. So if your musc...
SS may affect other organs, including your heart, lungs, and kidneys. When the disease process reaches this point, it may become life threatening without early treatment. Scleroderma renal crisis is a rare but severe complication of SS that remains a significant risk factor for the life threatening progression of the disease. However, a 2016 study ...
Mar 21, 2024 · Symptoms of scleroderma include thickened skin, skin color changes, stiff joints, muscle weakness, visible blood vessels, and more. Although there is no cure for the condition, there are treatments available that can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Lana Barhum
Sep 29, 2023 · Localized scleroderma symptoms. People with localized scleroderma usually only experience skin thickening. The thickened skin can be isolated to one specific area or appear in patches. It can affect skin on your: Chest. Abdomen (the area around your stomach). Arms and legs (your limbs). Hands and fingers. Feet and toes.
Scleroderma means “hard skin.”. But this disease can affect more than the skin. Joints, muscles, and even internal organs like the kidneys and lungs can harden and tighten. Many people who have scleroderma lead normal—or almost normal—lives. Where you have the hardening and tightening varies with the type of scleroderma you have.
SSc must be distinguished from other causes of skin thickening, including morphea (localized scleroderma) and scleroderma-like conditions, also referred to as scleroderma-mimics or pseudosclerodermas .
