There are some signs that can help to identify scleroderma, an autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen production.
Scleroderma usually affects the skin, but it can also appear in the joints, blood vessels or internal organs, causing specific symptoms in the affected region.
The most frequent symptoms of scleroderma include:
- Sensitivity of fingers and toes, as well as ears and nose, to cold; Fingers and toes constantly cold; Purple or white skin on the fingertips during the cold, known as Raynaud's phenomenon; hands and feet and skin with shiny appearance; thickening of the skin in places such as the hands, arms and face; inflammation, pain and heat in the joints.
However, scleroderma can also show other symptoms related to the organs that have been affected. For example, in the case of scleroderma in the esophagus, there may be difficulty in swallowing, heartburn and reflux. In the case of scleroderma in the lungs, there may be a sensation of shortness of breath and excessive tiredness, for example.
Therefore, the best way to diagnose scleroderma is to see a general practitioner for a physical exam, a blood test or a nailfold capillaroscopy, which will inform you if there are antibodies that indicate the presence of the disease. In addition, it may also be necessary to perform a skin or tissue biopsy of some organs to identify which sites are affected by scleroderma.
See how to treat this disease in: Treatment for scleroderma.
