Scleroderma symptoms

The symptoms of scleroderma, which is an autoimmune disease in which collagen accumulates in the body's tissues, vary according to the type of scleroderma and the location of the affected body.

Thus, in localized scleroderma, where the disease affects only the skin, symptoms usually occur on the skin of the hands and face, while in systemic scleroderma, where the disease affects other organs such as the lungs or heart, for example, the symptoms are related to the location of the affected body.

Swelling of the hands: symptom of localized scleroderma

Red spots on the face: symptom of systemic scleroderma

Thus, the symptoms of localized scleroderma include:

Swelling of the hands; Thickening of the skin, especially on the fingers; Tingling and changes in skin color due to cold; Light or dark spots on the skin.

Typically, the early symptoms of localized scleroderma include thickening and swelling of the fingertips, which may turn purple or white. Learn more at: How to identify scleroderma.

The symptoms of systemic scleroderma include:

Increased blood pressure; Red spots on the face; Poor digestion; Difficulty swallowing; Feeling short of breath; Rapid breathing; Weight loss without apparent cause; Liver problems; Heart problems, such as heart failure or arrhythmia.

Individuals with symptoms of scleroderma should consult a general practitioner or vascular surgeon to perform blood tests and other necessary tests such as x-rays or skin biopsies, for example, to diagnose the disease and start appropriate treatment.

Treatment for scleroderma

The treatment for scleroderma aims to relieve the symptoms of the disease, since there is no cure. Thus, treatment for scleroderma is usually done with anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or corticosteroids such as Prednisone, combined with physical therapy exercises.

According to the affected body sites and the symptoms the patient has, the doctor may prescribe other, more specific remedies.