Scleroderma affects the skin

Scleroderma is a disease of the body’s connective tissue. Scleroderma means ‘hard skin’. The most common symptom is a thickening and hardening of the skin, particularly of the hands and face.

The millions of cells that make up the human body are held together by meshes of connective tissue. It supports and holds together our joints, muscles, internal organs and skin. The connective tissues of people with scleroderma have too much collagen, causing hardening and tightening of this connective tissue.

Many different areas of the body can be affected by scleroderma, and symptoms vary greatly from person to person.

Anyone can develop scleroderma, but it is more common between the ages of 30 and 60, and three times more likely in females. There are estimated to be over 5,000 Australians living with scleroderma.

Scleroderma is not contagious. The condition can be mild, moderate or severe. There is no cure but it is possible to successfully manage the symptoms.

Types of scleroderma

There are two broad classifications of scleroderma based on the amount of skin and other organs affected. These are:

• Localised scleroderma - affects the skin. There are two types of localised scleroderma: morphea or linear. Both have distinctive signs and symptoms. Localised scleroderma can sometimes restrict normal joint movement, due to hardening of the skin over the joint.
• Diffuse scleroderma (also called systemic scleroderma or systemic sclerosis) - involves a more widespread hardening of the skin. Internal organs are also affected.

Symptoms of scleroderma

The symptoms will vary from person to person, and will depend on the type of scleroderma, and the organ involvement. Symptoms can include:

• Thickening and hardening of the skin
• Raynaud’s phenomenon – a condition which affects the blood flow to the extremities, most often fingers and toes. It is caused by a sudden constriction of the blood vessels.
• Stiffness and pain in the muscles or joints (or both)
• Indigestion, heartburn, diarrhoea, constipation.

What causes scleroderma?

The cause of scleroderma is not known. Possible causes may include an overactive immune system, genetics and environmental triggers – however none of these factors has been proven.

Diagnosis and treatment

There is no specific test for scleroderma, so your doctor will use a range of medical tests including physical examinations, blood tests and tissue biopsies to reach a diagnosis.

There is no cure for scleroderma. Treatment aims to ease the symptoms and will be dependent on the individual’s symptoms.

A person with scleroderma should be monitored by a rheumatologist or immunologist. Other healthcare providers, such as dermatologists and gastroenterologists, may take part in ongoing treatment.

Managing scleroderma

Managing the disease depends on its severity, but may include:

• Medication – to decrease the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon or treat other affected organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs or kidneys.
• Lifestyle changes – avoid exposure to cold temperatures, dress warmly and don’t smoke. These measures help manage Raynaud’s phenomenon.
• Gentle, regular exercise - to counteract the effects of joint immobilisation and improve overall health.
• Stress management – to help the person cope with the demands and challenges of their disease.
• Aids and equipment – the effects of scleroderma may make some actions difficult, for example, opening door handles or getting dressed. Changing the home or work environment and using aids and equipment can help. An occupational therapist can provide advice.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Scleroderma Foundation of Victoria Tel. (03) 9288 3651
• Arthritis Victoria inc. Osteoporosis Victoria Tel. (03) 8531 8000 or 1800 011 041
• Rheumatologist
• Immunologist
• Dermatologist

Things to remember

• Scleroderma is a chronic condition that affects the connective tissue.
• The disorder can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on how much skin and connective tissue is affected.
• Treatment aims to treat the symptoms, and will vary from person to person.

You might also be interested in:

• Immune system.
  
• Marfan syndrome.
  
• Polymyositis.
  
• Raynaud's phenomenon.
  
• Sjogren's syndrome.
  
• Skin explained.
  

Want to know more?

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Arthritis Victoria

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: January 2011

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Scleroderma is a disease of the body's connective tissue. The most common symptom is a thickening and hardening of the skin, particularly of the hands and face but also the internal organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys. There is no cure but the symptoms can be managed.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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