Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin and joints, but can be multisystemic and affect other organs including the heart, lungs and kidneys. 

The typical feature of patients with scleroderma is Raynaud’s phenomena where the finger tips or toes become white or bluish in the cold.  However, Raynaud’s phenomena can be a benign condition in younger women and can be seen with other autoimmune diseases as well. In scleroderma, the Raynaud’s phenomenon is usually more severe and the fingers tips can become painful or even ulcerate. 

Sometimes, the skin in the hands and forearm feels thick and tight.  This is a condition that primarily affects middle age women.  Men are rarely affected.

Scleroderma is a medical condition that should be diagnosed and evaluated by a rheumatologist.  Since the severity of the condition can vary greatly from individual to individual, after the diagnosis is made, the patient should be thoroughly evaluated to assess the extent of organ involvement.

Care is primarily directed at treating the symptoms and preventing long term damage.  Therefore, periodic and close monitoring by a rheumatologist is important.  Treatment can then be initiated as soon as possible when indicated.