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ANA (antinuclear antibodies)
Anti-Scl-70 (topoisomerase I)
Anti-centromere antibodies
Anti-RNA polymerase III
Skin
Blood vessels
Lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive system (in systemic form)
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and, in many cases, affects internal organs and blood vessels. The body’s immune system triggers an overproduction of collagen, leading to fibrosis (thickening and scarring of tissue).
It comes in two main forms:
Localized scleroderma – affects skin only
Systemic sclerosis – affects skin and internal organs
Tight, shiny, or thickened skin (especially fingers, hands, face)
Swelling or puffiness
Limited mobility of fingers or joints
Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers turn white or blue when cold or stressed)
Heartburn or acid reflux
Difficulty swallowing (esophageal issues)
Shortness of breath (lung involvement)
High blood pressure (especially in lungs)
Fatigue or weakness
Kidney dysfunction (in severe cases)
The exact cause is unknown, but scleroderma is autoimmune in nature:
The immune system attacks connective tissue
Triggers excess collagen production, leading to scarring and thickening
Likely influenced by genetics and environmental factors
Risk factors:
Women (4x more likely than men)
Age 30–60
Family history of autoimmune disease
Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., silica dust, solvents)
Blood tests:
ANA (positive in >90% of patients)
Anti-centromere antibodies
Anti-Scl-70 (topoisomerase I) antibodies
Skin biopsy (may confirm fibrosis)
Imaging (e.g., CT scan for lung involvement)
Pulmonary function tests
Echocardiogram or kidney tests for internal organ function
There is no cure, but symptoms and complications can be managed:
Immunosuppressants (e.g., mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate)
Blood pressure meds for Raynaud’s or kidney crisis
Proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux
Physical and occupational therapy for mobility
Regular monitoring of lungs, heart, and kidneys
Localized scleroderma often improves or stabilizes over time
Systemic sclerosis varies—some people live normal lives, while others may have serious complications
Early detection and monitoring are critical
Lung, heart, or kidney complications can be life-threatening
Affects about 240 per million people in the U.S.
More common in women aged 30–60
Rare in children
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis).
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scleroderma
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). (2022). Scleroderma.
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scleroderma
Steen, V. D., & Medsger, T. A. (2000). Severe organ involvement in systemic sclerosis with diffuse scleroderma. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 43(11), 2437–2444.
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