Scleroderma Types Systemic Symptoms

Scleroderma Symptoms Checklist

Overview

Video: Symptoms of Scleroderma
(Systemic Sclerosis)
Presented by Amanda Thorpe

Please consult your doctor if you have two or more of the following symptoms, which are sometimes due to systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). (Also see: What is Scleroderma? and Types of Scleroderma)

Systemic scleroderma may disqualify a person for life and/or health insurance in some countries. Sometimes certain lab work or biopsy results may force an unwelcome diagnosis into the medical record. (Also see: Diagnosis of Scleroderma)

Many of these symptoms can occur by themselves or can be due to other things. Symptoms such as heartburn, high blood pressure, constipation and muscle aches are common in the general population. More unusual symptoms, such as pulmonary fibrosis or tight skin, may be more likely to lead to a diagnosis of systemic scleroderma. (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis and Skin Fibrosis)

Circulation

❑ Edema: Swelling of hands, feet and/or face
❑ Raynaud's: fingers and/or toes turn white or blue due to cold or stress
❑ Digital ulcers (sores) on fingertips or toes

Gastrointestinal

❑ Difficulty swallowing
❑ Heartburn (reflux)
❑ Constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome

Heart, Lungs, Kidneys

❑ Shortness of breath
❑ Pulmonary (lung) fibrosis
❑ Aspiration pneumonia
❑ Pulmonary hypertension
❑ High blood pressure or kidney (renal) failure
❑ Right-sided heart failure

Muscles and Tendons

❑ Tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome
❑ Muscle aches, weakness, joint pain

Excessive Dryness or Sjogren's Syndrome

❑ Excessive dryness of the mucus membranes (such as eyes, mouth, vagina), which is sometimes called Sjogren's Syndrome

Skin

❑ Tight skin, often on hands or face
❑ Calcinosis (calcium deposits)
❑ Telangiectasia (red dots on the hands or face)
❑ Mouth becomes smaller, lips develop deep grooves, eating and dental care become difficult

SCLERO.ORG is the world leader for trustworthy research, support, education and awareness for scleroderma and related illnesses, such as pulmonary hypertension. We are a service of the nonprofit International Scleroderma Network (ISN), which is a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based public charitable foundation, established in 2002. Meet Our Team or Volunteer.

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Edina, MN 55435-4702 USA

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Toll Free US/Canada Scleroderma Hotline

(855) 663-2567*
*5-13-2015: This is a temporary number while our usual 1-800-564-7099 is being ported to a new provider.