Arthritis Center



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November 12, 2004

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Scleroderma

By Mayo Clinic staff Overview


Article sections:

>

Overview



Signs and symptoms



Causes



When to seek medical advice



Screening and diagnosis



Complications



Treatment



Self-care



Coping skills

Scleroderma (sklere-o-DER-muh) is a rare, progressive disease that
leads to hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues �
the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body. It
usually begins with a few dry patches of skin on the hands or face
that begin getting thicker and harder. These patches then spread to
other areas of the skin. In fact, scleroderma literally means "hard
skin."

In some cases, scleroderma also affects the blood vessels and internal
organs. Scleroderma is one of a group of arthritic conditions called
connective tissue disorders. In these disorders, a person's antibodies
are directed against his or her own tissues.

Researchers haven't established a definitive cause for scleroderma.
About 150,000 Americans have the disease. It's more common in women
than in men and more common in adults than in children. Scleroderma
can run in families, but in most cases it occurs without any known
family tendency for the disease. It's not considered contagious or
cancerous, but this chronic condition can greatly affect self-esteem
and the ability to accomplish everyday tasks.

IMAGE



Scleroderma

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a progressive disorder characterized by thickening and
...

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