Scleroderma << Types of Illnesses and Disabilities << Illnesses and Disabilities << womenshealth.gov

Scleroderma

Choose an illness or disability:

Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh) is a group of diseases that cause abnormal growth of connective tissue. There are 2 main types. One type only affects the skin. The other affects the blood vessels and internal organs, as well as the skin. In severe cases, it can cause liver failure.

Scleroderma has many possible symptoms, which can be mild to severe. Not all people with scleroderma have the same symptoms. Some symptoms are:

Fingers and toes that turn white, red, or blue in response to heat or cold

Pain, stiffness, and swelling of fingers and joints

Thickening of skin

Skin that looks shiny on the hands and forearm

Tight and mask-like skin on the face

Sores on the fingers or toes

Trouble swallowing

Weight loss

Diarrhea or constipation

Shortness of breath

Scleroderma has no known cure. But treatments can reduce symptoms and damage. Still, living with scleroderma can be hard. Scleroderma can damage your skin and change the way it looks, which can affect self-esteem. People with scleroderma also can have problems dressing, bathing, or taking care of everyday tasks. Treatment and support can help you feel better and stay active.

Additional Resources

Publications

Handout on Health: Scleroderma — This booklet describes the different forms of scleroderma and provides information on their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, including what patients can do to help manage the disease and the problems associated with it.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scleroderma/default.asp

Coping With Scleroderma (Copyright © Scleroderma Foundation) — Getting diagnosed with scleroderma can be an emotionally trying time. This brochure offers tips on how you can cope with the emotions and frustrations of a scleroderma diagnosis. It also includes resources that may be helpful along the journey.

http://www.scleroderma.org/pdf/Medical_Brochures/Coping.pdf

Living With Scleroderma (Copyright © Scleroderma Research Foundation) — This publication gives tips for coping with the common symptoms of scleroderma: Raynaud’s phenomenon, skin ulcers, stiff and painful joints, and skin, dental, and gastrointestinal problems.

http://www.srfcure.org/srf/patients/living.htm

http://www.scleroderma.org/pdf/Medical_Brochures/Localized.pdf

http://www.scleroderma.org/pdf/Medical_Brochures/Pulmonary.pdf

http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/raynauds.asp

Scleroderma (Copyright © Arthritis Foundation) — This fact sheet offers detailed information on scleroderma. It describes the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. It also provides resources for more information.

http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/scleroderma.asp

Scleroderma and Sexuality (Copyright © Scleroderma Foundation) — This brochure explains how scleroderma can affect your sex life. It also offers tips and suggestions for how you and your partner can cope with the aspects of scleroderma that affect sexuality.

http://www.scleroderma.org/pdf/Medical_Brochures/Sexuality.pdf

http://www.srfcure.org/srf/patients/treatment.htm

http://www.scleroderma.org/medical/overview.shtm

Your Medications: A Guide to Better Understanding (Copyright © Scleroderma Foundation) — This online publication provides a chart of medications commonly used to treat scleroderma. It also explains how these medications work and the main side effects associated with their use.

http://www.scleroderma.org/medical/medication.shtm

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated September 22, 2009.