Overview
Scleroderma
What is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. This leads to the replacement of normal connective tissue in the skin, lungs, and internal organs (such as the esophagus, kidneys, and digestive tract) with scar tissue. This condition causes the tissues to become stiff and the muscles to not function as well.
Scleroderma can make it:
- Easier for stomach acid to enter the esophagus, as the lower esophageal sphincter may not close tightly.
- Harder for stomach contents to move out of the esophagus due to impaired peristalsis.
Scleroderma causes widespread hardening of the skin, especially on the hands and face, and can damage the lungs, heart, kidneys, digestive tract, muscles, and joints. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder, also known as progressive systemic sclerosis.
Types of Scleroderma
Scleroderma is categorized into two main types:
1.Localized Scleroderma (Morphoea): Primarily affects the skin but can also impact underlying tissues such as muscle and bone.
2.Systemic Sclerosis: Affects the skin, blood circulation, and internal organs.
Localized Scleroderma (Morphoea)
- Plaque Morphoea: Common in adults, causing discolored oval patches on the skin.
- Linear Morphoea: Affects children more commonly, causing thickened skin along the arms, legs, forehead, and scalp.
Systemic Sclerosis
- Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: Affects the skin on the hands, lower arms, feet, lower legs, and face, and can extend to the lungs and digestive system.
• Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis: Causes widespread skin changes and is more likely to affect internal organs.
