Scleroderma, pronounced as sklair-oh-dur-muh, is an autoimmune condition that affects blood vessels, muscles, and organs in the body, which results in the tightening or hardening of the skin. In some people, the skin around the finger, hands, feet, and face appear tighter initially. For others, skin thickening may also happen in the forearms, upper arms, lower legs, chest, thighs, and abdomen. In the early stages, one may also experience problems with digestion.

Scleroderma causes an unusual growth in the connective tissue responsible for the body’s shape and strength. The thickening and tightening of the skin can lead to problems with other body organs, digestive tracts, and blood vessels and cause severe problems such as shortness of breath and high blood pressure.

Reviewed January 2023 (details below)

The content on this page is provided solely for information purposes and provides an overview of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are living with this disability, condition or chronic illness, please seek further information. The information on this page is subject to change without notice


Scleroderma is an invisible disability 

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    2.5 million people worldwide live with Scleroderma
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    It is different for each person
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    Not visible scleroderma is not visible to the naked eye
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    No known cause what causes scleroderma is not known
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    In scleroderma the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues 
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    Average age of onset is between 30 to 50 years
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    It is an autoimmune condition

Symptoms of Scleroderma

The symptoms of scleroderma are characterised based on the organ or area of the body affected. Some of which can be minor or life-threatening, depending on what organs have been affected by the condition. Highlighted below are common symptoms of Scleroderma:

Skin

Often, the skin shows the first visible signs of the condition. It begins to thicken or become unusually dark in some spots. Some other skin symptoms of Scleroderma include:

  • Oval or straight-line patches all over the skin
  • Restricted movement when pulled
  • Unusual shining and glittering
  • Skin ulcer
  • Swelling, thickening, and tightening of the skin

Finger and toes

Restriction in the blood can permanently damage the extremities and cause sores and other symptoms. Discolouration, especially after exposure to cold surfaces, is a common symptom of the condition. Here are a few other signs that fingers and toes show when this condition affects the body.

  • Colour changes
  • Swelling
  • Numbness
  • Pain

Digestive system

Some people with this condition may encounter problems with digestion and may not readily absorb nutrients from food. Other symptoms associated with digestion may include:

  • Heartburn
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Bloating and constipation
  • Diarrhoea

Internal organs

The internal organs of persons with this disability may suffer complications that impact their ability to perform normal body functions. This may result in these symptoms.

  • Shortness of breath
  • Decreased tolerance to physical activity
  • Scarring in the tissues of the lungs
  • Dizziness
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • High blood pressure

Other symptoms

  • Loss of weight due to inability to swallow food
  • Excess fluid in feet
  • Dental decay
  • Narrow mouth and face
  • Significant changes in sleeping and appetite


Sources:

American College of Rheumatology: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/51/2/319/1776349

Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/scleroderma#pictures

National Scleroderma Association: https://scleroderma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Stretching-Exercises-for-the-Hands-and-Face-20211127.pdf

National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29741963/

NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scleroderma/

Scleroderma Australia: https://www.sclerodermaaustralia.com.au

Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK: https://www.sruk.co.uk/scleroderma/understanding-scleroderma/ 

Scleroderma News: https://sclerodermanews.com/social-clips/10-scleroderma-facts-know/

Self Manage Scleroderma: https://www.selfmanagescleroderma.com/lessons/how-to-be-a-great-caregiver.html

Oxford Academic:  https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/51/2/319/1776349


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The content on this page is provided solely for information purposes and provides an overview of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information on this page is subject to change without notice.

The content on this page has been kindly reviewed by Scleroderma Australia (Jan 2023)

For further information, please visit https://www.sclerodermaaustralia.com.au/ 

Scleroderma Australia has been incorporated since 2005 to facilitate a national representative voice in supporting our scleroderma community across Australia. Delegates from the states make up our governing Committee. The purpose of their association is to:

  • Coordinate and promote scleroderma awareness across Australia
  • Increase community support and engagement for people with scleroderma and their families
  • Advocate for people with scleroderma for improved patient outcomes
  • Coordinate funding for scleroderma research across Australia
  • Support state associations to provide successful and sustainable outcomes.

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