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Overview

What Is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that causes the body to make too much collagen. This buildup can make the skin or other connective tissues thick, tight and hard. Some forms affect mainly the skin, while systemic sclerosis can also involve blood vessels and internal organs. Scleroderma can develop in people of any sex or background, although it is more common in adults and in people assigned female at birth.

LOCALIZED FORM

Localized scleroderma
Includes morphea and linear scleroderma. It usually affects the skin and nearby tissues without the widespread internal-organ involvement seen in systemic disease.

SYSTEMIC FORM

Systemic sclerosis
Also called systemic scleroderma, it may affect the skin, blood vessels and internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, heart and digestive tract.

Symptoms

Scleroderma Symptoms

  • Tight, thickened or hardened skin
  • Color changes in the fingers or toes in response to cold or stress (Raynaud phenomenon)
  • Swollen fingers or toes
  • Sores on the fingertips
  • Joint stiffness
  • Small red spots on the face or hands (telangiectasia)
  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle weakness

Scleroderma symptoms vary according to the type and severity of disease. Localized forms such as morphea or linear scleroderma usually cause skin changes in specific areas. Limited systemic sclerosis may progress gradually, while diffuse systemic disease can involve internal organs and needs regular medical monitoring.

Causes

What Causes Scleroderma?

Scleroderma develops when the immune system becomes dysregulated. Immune activity can stimulate fibroblasts, the cells that make connective tissue, to produce excess collagen, while changes in small blood vessels may contribute to tissue damage. The exact trigger is not known in most cases, and scleroderma is not contagious.

Risk Factors

Scleroderma Risk Factors

Factor typeExamples
NonmodifiableBeing assigned female at birth, typical adult age at onset, family or genetic susceptibility
Medical associationsOther autoimmune conditions or certain autoimmune antibodies
Possible environmental or occupational associationsSelected chemical or silica exposures, depending on the individual’s history

Most people with these risk factors do not develop scleroderma, and a risk factor does not prove that it caused the disease. If you are concerned about a suspected chemical or workplace exposure, discuss it with a clinician or occupational-health professional before making changes to work or treatment.

Complications

Scleroderma Complications

  • Lung scarring or high blood pressure in the lung arteries (pulmonary hypertension) can affect breathing and exercise ability.
  • Kidney injury or a sudden rise in blood pressure (scleroderma renal crisis) can impair kidney function.
  • Heart inflammation, rhythm problems or reduced heart function can affect circulation and stamina.
  • Severe reflux, swallowing problems or reduced movement of the digestive tract can interfere with nutrition and comfort.
  • Digital ulcers or tissue damage can occur when reduced blood flow affects the fingers or toes.
  • Joint, tendon or muscle limitations can restrict movement and daily activities.
  • Dental problems may develop because of dry mouth, reflux or difficulty opening the mouth.

Seek prompt care

Symptoms that may signal an organ complication

New or worsening shortness of breath, chest symptoms, severe headache, vision changes, markedly elevated blood pressure or rapidly worsening finger pain needs prompt medical assessment. Emergency symptoms such as severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or fainting require urgent care.

Diagnosis

How Scleroderma Is Diagnosed

Clinicians review symptoms and medical history, examine the skin and circulation, and assess whether findings fit localized scleroderma or systemic sclerosis. They may also look for signs that the lungs, heart, kidneys or digestive tract are involved.

  • Autoantibody blood tests can support the diagnosis and help characterize disease patterns.
  • A skin biopsy may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain.
  • Pulmonary function tests and chest imaging can evaluate the lungs.
  • An echocardiogram and other heart tests can check for cardiac or pulmonary vascular effects.
  • Blood pressure and kidney tests can monitor for renal complications.
  • Digestive testing may be used for swallowing or reflux symptoms.

Treatment & Management

Scleroderma Treatment and Management

There is no single treatment or guaranteed cure for every form of scleroderma. Management is tailored to the disease type, symptoms, rate of change and any organ involvement. A rheumatologist and other specialists may work together to protect function and treat complications.

SYMPTOM SUPPORT

Symptom and function support
Care may include moisturizers, physical or occupational therapy, reflux treatment, circulation protection, pain management and smoking cessation when relevant.

DISEASE CONTROL

Disease-directed treatment
Prescription care may include immunomodulating medicines, treatments for Raynaud phenomenon or ulcers, and organ-specific therapies provided by specialists.

Ongoing monitoring and specialist care

Regular rheumatology follow-up may include periodic checks of lung, heart, kidney and digestive function, even when symptoms are mild. Online claims such as “I cured my scleroderma” may reflect improved or inactive symptoms, but prescribed treatment should not be stopped without medical guidance.

Outlook and Prognosis

Outlook and Prognosis for Scleroderma

Localized forms often remain limited to the skin, although they can change over time. Systemic sclerosis has a variable course and may affect organs over time, so long-term follow-up is important. An individual outlook depends on the extent of disease and how well complications respond to treatment.

  • The type and extent of scleroderma influence how widely symptoms may affect the body.
  • Involvement of the lungs, heart, kidneys or digestive tract can change the outlook.
  • Early detection and treatment of complications may improve disease management.
  • Response to medications and supportive care helps guide ongoing treatment.
  • Regular follow-up with clinicians familiar with systemic sclerosis supports long-term monitoring.

When Should You See a Doctor

When Should You See a Doctor for Scleroderma?

  • Make an appointment for persistent skin thickening, tightening or unexplained patches.
  • Seek evaluation for repeated finger or toe color changes, swelling or numbness.
  • Arrange care for fingertip sores, severe pain or wounds that do not heal.
  • Talk with a clinician about ongoing heartburn, trouble swallowing or unintentional weight loss.
  • Seek prompt care for new or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, severe headache or rapidly worsening blood pressure.

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