Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)

Overview

Scleroderma causes scar-like hardening of skin and sometimes internal organs.

Raynaud's, where fingers turn white or blue in cold, is often the first sign.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Hard, tight skin
• Fingers turn white or blue in the cold

Less common

• Raynaud's
• Heartburn

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women

Possible complications

• Interstitial lung disease: Lung scarring
• Kidney damage: Scleroderma kidney crisis

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Antibody tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Keep warm
• Moisturize
• Keep hands warm
• Don't smoke

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Avoid silica dust

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a rheumatologist (joint and immune system doctor).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women 30 to 50: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatments help many symptoms.

Treatment helps many people.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Do I need lung and heart tests?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)