Some types of scleroderma affect only the skin, while others affect the whole body.
Localized scleroderma usually affects only the skin on the hands and face. It develops slowly, and rarely, if ever, spreads throughout the body or causes serious complications. Systemic scleroderma, or sclerosis, may affect large areas of skin and organs such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys. There are two main types of systemic scleroderma: Limited disease (CREST syndrome) and diffuse disease.
Skin symptoms of scleroderma may include:
Fingers or toes that turn blue or white in response to hot and cold temperatures (See: Raynaud's phenomenon) Hair loss Skin hardness Skin that is abnormally dark or light Skin thickening, stiffness, and tightness of fingers, hands, and forearm Small white lumps beneath the skin, sometimes oozing a white substance that looks like toothpaste Sores (ulcers) on the fingertips or toes Tight and mask-like skin on the face
Bone and muscle symptoms may include:
Joint pain Numbness and pain in the feet Pain, stiffness, and swelling of fingers and joints Wrist pain
Breathing problems may result from scarring in the lungs and can include:
Dry cough Shortness of breath Wheezing
Digestive tract problems may include:
Bloating after meals Constipation Diarrhea Difficulty swallowing Esophageal reflux or heartburn Problems controlling stools (fecal incontinence)
What are the symptoms of Scleroderma?
Some types of scleroderma affect only the skin, while others affect the whole body.
Localized scleroderma usually affects only the skin on the hands and face. It develops slowly, and rarely, if ever, spreads throughout the body or causes serious complications. Systemic scleroderma, or sclerosis, may affect large areas of skin and organs such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys. There are two main types of systemic scleroderma: Limited disease ({{ORGANIZATION}} syndrome) and diffuse disease.
Skin symptoms of scleroderma may include:
Fingers or toes that turn blue or white in response to hot and cold temperatures (See: Raynaud's phenomenon) Hair loss {{NAME}} hardness Skin that is abnormally dark or light Skin thickening, stiffness, and tightness of fingers, hands, and forearm Small white lumps beneath the skin, sometimes oozing a white substance that looks like toothpaste Sores (ulcers) on the fingertips or toes {{ORGANIZATION}} and mask-like skin on the face
Bone and muscle symptoms may include:
Joint pain Numbness and pain in the feet Pain, stiffness, and swelling of fingers and joints {{NAME}} pain
Breathing problems may result from scarring in the lungs and can include:
Dry cough Shortness of breath Wheezing
Digestive tract problems may include:
Bloating after meals {{ORGANIZATION}} swallowing Esophageal reflux or heartburn Problems controlling stools (fecal incontinence)