Conditions InDepth: Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a disease of the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue is found throughout the body, providing support and form for organs and structures. Scleroderma is thought to be an autoimmune disorder—a condition in which the immune system mistakes the body’s own tissue for a foreign invader, attacking and damaging it. Researchers believe that the immune system’s interaction with the connective tissue causes an overproduction of collagen—a tough, hard protein that makes up tendons, bones, ligaments, and scar tissue. When this collagen is deposited in various places throughout the body, it causes hardening and stiffening.
The most common areas of the body affected by scleroderma are the skin, blood vessels, joints, and internal organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system).
Scleroderma
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Scleroderma is classified as:
Localized Scleroderma
This primarily affects the skin. Localized scleroderma is further divided into:
- Morphea—Skin lesions are firm, at times oval, whitish or brownish plaques, surrounded by a purplish ring.
- Linear—Skin lesions appear as hardened streaks or lines along the arms, legs, or forehead.
Generalized Scleroderma
This is divided into:
- Limited—A gradually progressing form of scleroderma that initially causes skin thickening, but progresses to affect the internal organs.
- Diffuse—A more quickly progressing form of scleroderma that causes the skin to thicken throughout the body. It may also affect the internal organs.
Systemic Sclerosis Sine Scleroderma
This is a very rare form of scleroderma in which there are no skin manifestations, but the internal organs are affected.
Around 40 people out of 100,000 have scleroderma. Women are more likely to be affected.
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Last reviewed December 2011 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Last Updated: 12/30/2011