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Symptoms of Scleroderma

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Symptoms of scleroderma include:

  • Raynaud’s phenomenon :
    • Changes in skin color of the fingertips, toes, and nose in response to cold or emotional stress
    • Skin usually turns very white when first exposed to cold, then blue, then very red
    • May be accompanied by pain, tingling, numbness
  • Sores or ulcers on the fingers
  • Changes in the skin, as areas of affected skin lose hair and become:
    • Stiff
    • Hard
    • Thick
    • Shiny
    • Darker or lighter with darker spots (the so-called salt and pepper appearance)
  • Skin over face may become so tight that it’s hard to change expression (face appears “mask-like”)
  • Fingers and toes become swollen or puffy
  • Whitish bumps of calcium deposits develop under the skin (calcinosis)
  • Tiny purplish-red blood vessels appear under the skin (telangiectasias)
  • Skin creases diminish or disappear
  • Arthritis (joint aches and stiffness)
  • Muscle pain and weakness
  • Dry eyes and mouth (called Sjögren’s syndrome )
  • Digestive problems:
  • Problems due to lung, heart, and kidney involvement:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 8th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2005.

  • Ferri F ed. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2011 . 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2010.

  • Firestein ED et al. Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2008.

  • Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Internal Medicine . 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2008.

  • Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology . 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2004.

  • Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine . 15th ed. McGraw Hill; 2001.

  • National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .

  • Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2000.

  • Rakel R. Textbook of Family Medicine 2007. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2009.

  • Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy . 60th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2009.

  • Scleroderma Foundation website. Available at: http://www.scleroderma.org/ .

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