Scleroderma
Systemic sclerosis
Autoimmune conditionThe immune system drives thickening and scarring of the skin, and sometimes internal organs, along with damage to small blood vessels.
What happens
Scar-forming cells lay down too much collagen. Limited forms mostly affect the fingers, hands, and face. Diffuse forms spread further and can involve the lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive tract. Raynaud's is usually the first sign.
Who gets it
About four times more common in women, usually starting between 30 and 50.
Common signs
- Fingers turning white or blue in the cold (Raynaud's)
- Swollen fingers that later become tight and shiny
- Sores on the fingertips
- Heartburn or trouble swallowing
- Shortness of breath or a dry cough
- Small red spots on the face or hands
- Stiff joints
Labs to ask about
- ANA
- Scleroderma antibodies (anti-centromere, anti-Scl-70, anti-RNA polymerase III)
- Lung function tests and chest CT
- Echocardiogram
- Blood pressure and kidney function
How it's usually treated
- Medicines to improve blood flow for Raynaud's
- Acid-reducing medicine for reflux
- Immune-suppressing medicines for skin and lung disease
- Blood pressure medicine to protect the kidneys
Supportive steps to discuss with your provider
- Keep your hands warm, and avoid smoking and cold exposure.
- Moisturize daily.
- Eat smaller meals and stay upright after eating to ease reflux.
- Keep up regular lung, heart, and blood pressure checks.
See a doctor promptly if you have
- A sudden severe headache, very high blood pressure, or much less urine: go to the emergency room
- A fingertip turning dark
- Shortness of breath
Related conditions
Mixed connective tissue disease
An overlap condition with features of lupus, scleroderma, and myositis, marked by high levels of an antibody called anti-U1 RNP.
Learn more →Sjögren's disease
The immune system targets the glands that make tears and saliva, causing lasting dryness. It can also affect joints, nerves, and other organs.
Learn more →Lupus
A whole-body autoimmune disease that can inflame the skin, joints, kidneys, blood, heart, lungs, and brain.
Learn more →
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.