Scleroderma

Updated: 2023-08-02

Description

Chronic hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.

Overview

Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh) is a group of rare diseases that involve the chronic hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. It also may cause problems in the blood vessels, internal organs and digestive tract. Scleroderma more often affects women and commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on which parts of the body are affected. Nearly everyone who has scleroderma experiences hardening and tightening of the skin. The first parts of the body to be affected are usually the fingers, hands, feet and face.

Treatments

Treatment can help control symptoms and prevent complication. Treatment options include medicines, physical therapy and surgery.