Scleroderma, << sklihr uh DUR muh, >> is a rare disease that causes stiffening and thickening of body tissues, particularly the skin. Most people with scleroderma have skin that gradually becomes hard, tight, and shiny.
Scleroderma may affect only the skin. In one form of scleroderma called morphea, round patches of hard skin form on the body. In linear scleroderma, a line of thickened skin forms on the arms, legs, or forehead. Linear scleroderma occurs chiefly in children and the elderly.
Generalized scleroderma can affect both the skin and internal body parts, including the blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, intestines, and joints. Depending on the body part affected, this form of scleroderma can cause high blood pressure, shortness of breath, difficulty in swallowing, joint pain, and muscle weakness. It occurs most often in women between the ages of 30 and 50.
Scleroderma’s cause is unknown. It is not contagious and is not inherited. The bodies of people who have scleroderma produce too much of a protein called collagen. Excess collagen causes the tissues to stiffen and thicken. Scientists think the body’s immune system plays a part in causing the formation of the excess collagen. There is no known cure for scleroderma. Treatment generally involves the use of medications to control symptoms and limit collagen production.
