Scleroderma is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease which causes a thickening and scarring of the skin and connective tissue due to excess deposits of collagen. Collagen is fibrous protein in connective tissue. The name scleroderma means "hard skin". It is caused by a malfunction in the immune system which causes the body to attack healthy tissue causing inflammation and the excess production of collagen.

Scleroderma consists of two types: Localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis. Localized scleroderma only affects a limited amount of skin and musculoskeletal system. Localized scleroderma is divided into two subclasses: Morphea (oval-shaped white patches with a purple border appear on skin of trunk, arms legs or forehead) and linear scleroderma (bands of thickened skin on arms, legs, or forehead).

Systemic sclerosis is more serious because it affects a larger area of the skin as well as causing damage to the heart, lungs and kidneys. People with the systemic form of scleroderma can also develop arthritis, muscle inflammation, dry mouth, dry eyes, and slow contractions in the gastrointestinal track.

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Scleroderma often causes Raynaud's phenomenon, a color change of the fingers or toes when exposed to cold or stress caused by blood vessel spasms. Most people with scleroderma do not know what caused the disorder. Sometimes it is caused by bone marrow transplants or by toxin exposure. Rarely, it is caused by genetics.

Women are more likely than men to get scleroderma and adults are more likely to get scleroderma than children. About 150,000 Americans have scleroderma. Out of every million people, 10 to 20 new people will be diagnosed with scleroderma each year. In five years, 80 to 85 percent of the people newly diagnosed with scleroderma will still be alive. Death is most often due to kidney damage. Disfigurement of the joints and finger ulcers cause many with scleroderma to have hands that do not function properly. Scleroderma is not contagious or cancerous and it normally is not something that you inherit. There is no definitive cause for scleroderma.

Symptoms of scleroderma include the following:
-Joint pain or stiffness
-Color changes in fingers or toes due to cold or stress (Raynaud's phenomenon)
-Curling of fingers
-Digestive problems such as slow movement of food, poor absorption of nutrients
-Sores on joints
-Swelling of hands and feet
-gradual hardening or tightening of skin

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Diagnosis of scleroderma involves a physical exam and a medical history. If skin thickening is not significant, a diagnosis may not be made promptly. To determine if the severity of internal organ damage due to the scleroderma, lab tests, X-rays, and pulmonary function tests may be given. There is no cure for scleroderma and the only treatment that may be a help in slowing the progression of the disease is the drug d-penicillamine.

Scleroderma treatment is determining by which organ is affected and giving organ-specific treatment. Acid reducing drugs are used to treat damage to the esophagus, calcium channel blockers are used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon, antibiotics, special diets and medications can help the absorption of nutrients for those with intestinal abnormalities.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are used to treat musculoskeletal discomfort, physical therapy and occupational therapy are used improve the function and use of the joints and high blood pressure and the decline in renal functioning can be treated with medications.

If you think you may have scleroderma, it is important to see your doctor for prompt treatment because, without treatment, scleroderma can cause death within a few years of the onset.

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