Overview of Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma

Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma causes a variety of complications that can affect the skin, mouth, eyes and internal organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and the entire gastrointestinal tract. Widespread skin involvement more often results in severe internal organ damage than in patients with less skin involvement.

Usually, the skin on the fingertips tightens first, then progresses to the fingers, hands, forearms, and upper arms. By the time the skin of the arms is tight, there may be stiffness of the legs, thighs, and in some cases, chest and abdomen. The skin tightness usually appears on both sides of the body and is symmetrical. The skin of the face and neck may also become involved.

Diffuse scleroderma may cause disability or even death depending on internal organ involvement which is why it is essential to have symptoms treated as soon as they arise and to be under the care of a recognised scleroderma expert.

Please refer to our Personal Stories subforum to find out how others are living with diffuse scleroderma.

Presented by. Amanda Thorpe for the nonprofit International Scleroderma Network at sclero.org.

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