Scleroderma is a chronic, degenerative, autoimmune disorder causes the skin and connective tissue to thicken and become tight and hard.

Causes

The cause of scleroderma is not known, but it is one of a group of systemic autoimmune diseases in which the body's own immune system appears to contribute to inflammation of skin and other organs. Symptoms are related to too much collagen in the body. Collagen is a fibrous protein found in bone, cartilage, tendon, and other connective tissue.

Symptoms

• Skin tightening and thickening is the hallmark symptom
• Swollen fingers and toes
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain on deep breath
• Numbness of extremities
• Pain and/or stiffness of the joints
• Itching of the skin
• Stiffening and curling of the fingers
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Arthritis
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
   

Treatment

Medications used to treat the condition include:
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin) for inflammation and pain
Steroids and other immune suppressants to decrease inflammation and treat muscle and joint
For Raynaud's Phenomenon, Nifedipine or other Calcium channel blockers may be prescribed.
For sores on the fingers and toes, Iloprost given intravenously may be helpful.
To treat gastrointestinal discomfort and infection, medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, omeprazole, and antibiotics may help.
For bacterial overgrowth, the antibiotic Tetracycline may be prescribed.