Scleroderma - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
By ScanSkinAI Editorial Team✓ Reviewed for medical safetyLast updated June 2026
An autoimmune disease causing hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. It can be limited to skin or affect internal organs.
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Quick Answer
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune condition that causes your body to produce too much collagen, leading to the hardening and tightening of your skin and connective tissues. It often begins with skin thickening on the fingers and extreme cold sensitivity known as Raynaud's phenomenon. While some forms predominantly affect the skin, others can impact internal organs like the lungs and digestive tract, causing breathing or swallowing difficulties. There is currently no cure, but treatments help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate evaluation.
Symptoms
- Hard, tight skin
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Skin thickening starting on fingers
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Finger ulcers
Causes & Risk Factors
- Autoimmune - body produces too much collagen
- Genetic and environmental factors
- More common in women
Treatment & Management
- No cure - treatment for symptoms and complications
- Immunosuppressants
- Physical therapy
- Treating organ involvement
- Skin moisturizers
When to See a Doctor
If you notice skin thickening, Raynaud's, or difficulty swallowing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does scleroderma look and feel like at first?
Early symptoms usually involve skin changes, particularly on the fingers and hands. Your skin may feel unusually hard, tight, or thick, making it difficult to bend your fingers. Another very common early sign is Raynaud's phenomenon, where your fingers change color, feel numb, or hurt when exposed to cold temperatures. You might also develop sores or ulcers on your fingertips.
Why did I get scleroderma? What is the main cause?
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This triggers your body to overproduce collagen, the main structural protein in your skin and organs, leading to the characteristic thickening and scarring. While the exact trigger is unknown, a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a role. It is also significantly more common in women than in men.
Is there a cure for scleroderma, and how is it treated?
There is currently no cure for scleroderma, but various treatments can effectively manage your symptoms and slow down complications. Doctors often prescribe immunosuppressants to calm your immune system and specific medications to treat affected internal organs. Physical therapy can help maintain joint mobility, while heavy skin moisturizers ease tightness. Treatment is highly personalized based on which parts of your body are involved.
Will this condition spread to my internal organs?
It depends on the type of scleroderma you have. Localized scleroderma primarily affects only the skin. However, systemic sclerosis can involve internal organs, most commonly the digestive tract, lungs, kidneys, and heart. This can lead to complications such as shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing over time. Regular monitoring by a specialist is essential to catch and treat any organ involvement early.
When should I see a doctor about my tight skin?
You should see a doctor promptly if you notice unexplainable thickening or hardening of your skin, particularly on your fingers, hands, or face. Other key warning signs that require medical evaluation include extreme sensitivity to cold in your fingers and toes, unhealed finger ulcers, shortness of breath, or noticeable difficulty swallowing food. Early intervention is crucial for managing symptoms effectively.
How is scleroderma different from regular dry skin?
While regular dry skin can feel tight and uncomfortable, it usually improves significantly with standard moisturizers and does not physically thicken the skin. Scleroderma involves an actual structural change due to excess collagen. The skin becomes visibly shiny, hard, and bound down to the underlying tissues, restricting your movement. Scleroderma is also frequently accompanied by color changes in the fingers when cold, which dry skin lacks.
Is scleroderma contagious, and can I prevent it?
No, scleroderma is completely non-contagious; you cannot catch it from or pass it to anyone else. It is a misconception that it is an infection. Because the exact cause is an unpredictable combination of genetics and environmental triggers, there is currently no known way to prevent scleroderma from developing. Focus instead on early symptom recognition and prompt medical management if signs appear.
How can ScanSkinAI help with scleroderma?
ScanSkinAI is designed to act as an initial screening aid for analyzing skin changes. By taking clear photos of skin thickening, redness, or other unusual marks, our tool can help you identify patterns that may warrant further medical review. However, ScanSkinAI is not a diagnostic tool. Scleroderma requires a thorough clinical evaluation and testing by a doctor or rheumatologist to confirm a diagnosis.
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Medical References
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.