Modified on 2009/10/14 21:50 by admin
Scleroderma is a progressive disease characterized by scarring and deterioration of fibrous connective tissue in the skin, joints, skeletal muscles and internal organs and by blood vessel abnormalities.

Excess collagen deposits in the skin and other organs produce symptoms, which include, but may not be limited to, Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers that are very pale and tingle or become numb in response to heat or cold), pain, stiffness, and swelling of fingers and joints, skin thickening, tight and mask-like facial skin, damage to the esophagus, heartburn, weight loss, liver damage and jaundice, shortness of breath, heart problems and kidney damage.

Scleroderma usually affects people 30 to 50 years old. Women are four times more likely to develop the disorder than men. The cause of scleroderma is unknown.

See Also

  1. Bone, Joint & Muscle Disorders: Overview
  2. Prairie Grove, Arkansas
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