Symptoms of Scleroderma
Symptoms are not the same in each person. Symptoms also depend on the type of scleroderma that a person has.
Localized scleroderma affects the skin and the structures under it. Problems may be:
- One or more skin patches on the face, scalp, trunk, or limbs that may be:
- Patches or streaks
- Red or purple
- Waxy looking and surrounded by darkened skin
- Muscle or joint pain or tightening
- Fatigue
Systemic scleroderma also causes problems with the skin, such as tightness, thickening, and shiny skin. The skin may also itch.
Other added problems may be:
- Raynaud phenomenon—A problem with blood vessels that leads to poor blood flow to the fingers, toes, nose, cheeks, or ears
- Muscle pain, tightening, inflammation, or swelling
- Digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Problems swallowing
- Problems breathing
- Heartburn
- Fainting
- Problems sleeping
- Pain during sex
- Erection problems in men
REFERENCES:
Kowal-Bielecka O, Fransen J, et al. Update of EULAR recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Aug;76(8):1327-1339.
Localized scleroderma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/localized-scleroderma. Accessed August 12, 2020.
Scleroderma. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scleroderma/default.asp. Accessed August 12, 2020.
Systemic sclerosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/systemic-sclerosis. Accessed August 12, 2020.
What is scleroderma? Scleroderma Foundation website. Available at: http://www.scleroderma.org/site/PageServer?pagename=patients_whatis#.WEhnf02QzIV. Accessed August 12, 2020.
Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD Last Updated: 3/9/2021