Scleroderma
Introduction
Scleroderma is an uncommoncondition that results in hard, thickened areas of skin andsometimes problems withinternal organs and blood vessels.
Scleroderma is caused by theimmune system attacking the connective tissueunder the skin andaround internal organs and blood vessels. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas.
There are several different types of scleroderma that can vary in severity. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems.
There's no cure for scleroderma, but most people with the condition can lead a full, productive life . Thesymptomsof scleroderma can usually be controlled by a range of different treatments.
This page covers:
Causes of scleroderma
How scleroderma is treated
Living with scleroderma
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016
Introduction
Read about scleroderma, including the different types, symptoms, causes and treatments.
Typesof scleroderma and typical symptoms
There are two main types of scleroderma: localised scleroderma just affects the skin systemic sclerosis may affect blood circulation and internal organs as well as the skin Localised scleroderma
Causes ofscleroderma
Normally, the body'simmune system fights off any germs that infect the body. It responds like thisto anything in the body it doesn't recognise, and settles down when the infection has been cleared. I
How scleroderma is treated
The aim of treatment is torelieve symptoms, prevent thecondition getting worse, detect and treat any complications (such as pulmonary hypertension ) and help you maintain the use of affected parts of
Living with scleroderma
There are many therapies and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the impact ofscleroderma on your life. Regular physiotherapy and stretching exercises may helpkeep your muscles supple and loosen t
Information about you
If you have scleroderma, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for bett
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