Systemic sclerosis
Evidence: Antibody
Names
Scleroderma
Systemic scleroderma
Systemic sclerosis
Description
Scleroderma is an autoimmune, rheumatic, and chronic disease that affects the body by hardening connective tissue
Patient Groups
Bloggers
Prevalence
US Cases: 48,000 to 96,000 [Barnes 2012]
Typical Age of onset
Scleroderma is more common in women than men. Anyone can get it, even children.
Most localized types show up before age 40, and are more common in people of European descent than in African Americans.
Systemic types are more common in people aged 30 to 50 and are more common in African Americans than in people of European descent.
Symptoms
Hardened or thickened skin that looks shiny and smooth. It’s most common on the hands and face.
Cold fingers or toes that turn red, white, or blue. This is called Raynaud's phenomenon.
Ulcers or sores on fingertips
Small red spots on the face and chest. These are opened blood vessels called telangiectasias.
Puffy or swollen or painful fingers and/or toes
Painful or swollen joints
Muscle weakness
Dry eyes or mouth (called Sjogren's syndrome)
Swelling -- mostly of the hands and fingers. Your doctor may call this edema.
Shortness of breath
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Weight Loss
Itching
