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Scleroderma
Pronunciation
Definition 1
A chronic disorder marked by hardening and thickening of the skin. Scleroderma can be localized or it can affect the entire body (systemic). (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
A localized or systemic chronic and progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by thickening of the skin and the connective tissues. Localized scleroderma affects only the skin. Systemic scleroderma affects internal organs, including the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
Scleroderma means hard skin. It is a group of diseases that cause abnormal growth of connective tissue. Connective tissue is the material inside your body that gives your tissues their shape and helps keep them strong. In scleroderma, the tissue gets hard or thick. It can cause swelling or pain in your muscles and joints.
Symptoms of scleroderma include
• Calcium deposits in connective tissues
• Raynaud's phenomenon, a narrowing of blood vessels in the hands or feet
• Swelling of the esophagus, the tube between your throat and stomach
• Thick, tight skin on your fingers
• Red spots on your hands and face
No one knows what causes scleroderma. It is more common in women. It can be mild or severe. Doctors diagnose scleroderma using your medical history, a physical exam, lab tests, and a skin biopsy. There is no cure, but various treatments can control symptoms and complications. (NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
Also called: Systemic Sclerosis, Circumscribed scleroderma, Dermatosclerosis, Morphea, Systemic sclerosis
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