Symptoms

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Scleroderma is a complex disease with many possible symptoms that can affect various parts of the body. It is highly individualized so symptoms and severity differ greatly, ranging from mild to potentially life threatening.

Skin: The most commonly identified symptom of scleroderma is the gradual thickening and tightening of the skin. Ulcers often form, especially on the fingertips, and are slow to heal because of poor circulation. Other skin changes include pigmentation changes and calcium deposits under the skin.

Joints: Joints become stiff and sore, similar in many respects to arthritis.

Raynaud's Phenomenon: It is generally believed that 98% of scleroderma patients have Raynaud's phenomenon. This is often the first symptom of the disease.

Muscle weakness: Muscles weaken and become painful.

Digestive System and Gastrointestinal Tract: The effects of scleroderma cause difficulties ranging from nausea to poor absorption of nutrients. The skin tightens around the mouth making chewing difficult. Patients experience less salivation, which leads to difficulties in swallowing. The thickened, hardened muscles of the gastrointestinal tract can no longer push the food down, which can lead to slow movement of food. Food becomes lodged and causes a feeling of choking. To counteract the difficulties in swallowing, patients often have their esophagus stretched allowing food to pass to the stomach more easily. Often the muscle that closes the esophagus from the stomach weakens and remains open too long allowing acid to reflux (back up) causing even more complications.

Dental: The tightening of the skin over the face makes good oral and dental health difficult . The natural cleansing action of saliva may be reduced due to dry mouth conditions (see Sjorgren's Syndrome below).

Sjogren's Syndrome: Sjogren's Syndrome is a condition that results when scleroderma affects the tear and saliva producing glands. This leads to dry eyes, nose, and/or mouth. Dry eyes may cause ulcers on the cornea, which in turn affects the vision. There may also be an increased risk of developing infection of the ears and sinuses.

Kidney: Early signs of kidney involvement may include high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Renal crisis is a severe complication of scleroderma and unless treated promptly may lead to kidney failure.

Respiratory System (Lungs): Lungs are the second most common area affected by scleroderma. The greatest loss of lung function occurs within the first 4-6 years of scleroderma. A build up of fibrosis (scarring) in the lungs leads to shortness of breath and persistent coughing. The fibrosis also affects oxygen absorption and can lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Weakened respiratory muscles and fibrosis in the lungs can cause elevated blood pressure in the artery that carries the blood from the heart to the lungs.

Circulatory System (Heart): Scleroderma may affect the muscles that surround the heart causing them to thicken and scar. This causes heart contractions to decrease, causing patients to experience chest pains and abnormal heartbeats.

Non-specific symptoms: These include extreme fatigue, general weakness, weight loss, hair loss and vague aching of muscles, bones and joints.