Symptoms
Scleroderma
Clinical Features of Scleroderma
Scleroderma can cause scarring and damage to the skin, joints, and internal organs. Symptoms vary widely among individuals and can include:
- Skin Symptoms: Hardening and thickening of the skin, especially on the fingers, hands, feet, and face. Skin may become shiny, lighter or darker, and small red spots (telangiectasia) can appear.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Blood vessels in the fingers, toes, nose, and ears constrict in response to cold or stress, causing them to turn white or blue and become numb.
- Digestive Symptoms: Heartburn, difficulty swallowing, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and fecal incontinence.
- Heart and Lung Symptoms: Shortness of breath, decreased exercise tolerance, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats.
- Kidney Symptoms: High blood pressure and rapid kidney failure (scleroderma renal crisis).
- Joint and Muscle Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, and limited joint motion.
