Scleroderma symptoms can affect the skin, internal organs and other tissues. They are a common result of an autoimmune disease that triggers the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues. Some scleroderma symptoms can be serious, and may even be life-threatening.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but many of them are similar. The most common symptom of scleroderma is hardening of the skin, which can affect the face, hands, arms, chest and thighs. In addition, Raynaud’s phenomenon (see below) and lung, kidney and gastrointestinal problems can also occur.
Some scleroderma symptoms are common and can be caused by other diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown, but researchers believe it is an autoimmune disease.
A combination of immune system problems, genetics and environmental triggers may be involved. Doctors use a number of tests to identify the type of scleroderma that a patient has and to check for signs of organ damage.
Diffuse scleroderma occurs when a large area of the skin, such as the face, thighs, hands or feet, becomes thick and hardened. The blood vessels in the skin can become narrow and swollen, which causes pain and other symptoms.
The skin can also become itchy or dry, or the skin’s surface can become rough and bumpy. Other symptoms include a lump in the throat or mouth, and bloating and abdominal distention.
In severe cases, scleroderma can lead to pulmonary hypertension, or high pressure in the airway. It can also cause fluid to build up in the lungs and legs, which can increase the risk of shortness of breath and other problems.
Other scleroderma symptoms include calcinosis (calcium deposits), which can cause redness and swelling in the fingers, toes or other areas of skin. It can also be accompanied by telangiectasias, or enlarged blood vessels in the hands and feet, which can look like spiderwebs.
Medications that reduce inflammation can ease some of the symptoms of scleroderma and help keep other symptoms under control. These medications are called immunosuppressants. Talk with your rheumatologist about the risks of these medications and how to protect yourself from infections while taking them.
Immunosuppressants can lower the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infection. They may also increase the risk of developing heart problems, high blood pressure or kidney problems.
People with scleroderma have a greater chance of developing a condition called scleroderma syndrome, which involves multiple autoimmune disorders that cause the same symptom of skin thickening. The condition can be difficult to diagnose because it can affect all the body’s organs.
The first step in determining whether you have scleroderma is a physical examination and lab work to rule out other conditions. Your doctor may also remove a tissue sample, called a biopsy, to examine the tissue.
Your doctor can also use a series of blood and urine tests to check for signs of scleroderma, such as an overactive immune system. This test can reveal changes in your sclerocytes, the white blood cells that help defend the body against disease.
