Systemic sclerosis
Also called scleroderma, systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes fibrosis (hardening) of the skin and internal organs, and changes in the small blood vessels.
Common symptoms
- Fingers that turn white or purple in the cold (Raynaud's phenomenon)
- Thick, tight skin on the fingers, hands or face
- Sores on the fingertips
- Reflux and difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath on exertion
How it is diagnosed
Specific antibodies (anticentromere, anti-Scl-70, anti-RNA polymerase III), capillaroscopy, and lung and heart studies: pulmonary function tests, chest CT and echocardiogram.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the organs affected: vasodilators for Raynaud's and ulcers, medicines for reflux, and mycophenolate, nintedanib, rituximab or tocilizumab when the lungs are involved.
What you can do
- Protect yourself from the cold with gloves and warm clothing
- Do not smoke: it worsens the circulation in the fingers
- Moisturise your skin and eat small portions
- Check your blood pressure regularly
- Attend your lung and heart check-ups
Seek care immediately if you have
- A sudden rise in blood pressure, with headache or little urine: seek care immediately
- A very dark, cold finger or an infected sore
- Worsening shortness of breath
Frequently asked questions
What is systemic sclerosis?
Also called scleroderma, systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes fibrosis (hardening) of the skin and internal organs, and changes in the small blood vessels.
How is systemic sclerosis diagnosed?
Specific antibodies (anticentromere, anti-Scl-70, anti-RNA polymerase III), capillaroscopy, and lung and heart studies: pulmonary function tests, chest CT and echocardiogram.
How is systemic sclerosis treated?
Treatment depends on the organs affected: vasodilators for Raynaud's and ulcers, medicines for reflux, and mycophenolate, nintedanib, rituximab or tocilizumab when the lungs are involved.
General information reviewed by Dr. Paul Alejandro Méndez Patarroyo, internist and rheumatologist, Colombian Medical Licence 79554568. It does not replace a medical consultation.