EDUCATION

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