ISN Photo Repository
Systemic Sclerosis, which is most commonly called scleroderma (SD), affects everyone differently. Just because something is listed here does not mean an individual patient will ever experience it. Also see About Scleroderma.

ISN Photo Donation Form
Alopecia
Calcinosis
CREST Syndrome
Gangrene
Localized (Linear/Morphea)
Overlap Syndrome
Raynaud's
Scleredema
Sclerodactyly
Skin Ulcers
Sympathectomy Surgery
Systemic Scleroderma
Watermelon Stomach
Raynaud's Photos (MAIN MENU)
Raynaud's 1: Alexandra
Raynaud's 2: Joyce
Raynaud's 3: Judith
Raynaud's 4: Shelly
Raynaud's 3: Judith
Most Raynaud's attacks are not this visible. Usually attacks cause the skin to go dead white. However, atttacks that incur blue fingers are much more dramatic and photogenic. In between attacks, the hands look normal.
Raynaud's
Photo property of ISN Photo Repository.
Contributed by Judith T.
This photo is of a Raynaud's attack in a systemic scleroderma patient. Note the blueness of the fingers. Raynaud's can cause fingers to turn stark white or dusky blue during an attack, and redness sometimes occurs upon rewarming.
Raynaud's causes spasms of the blood vessels, which can shut down circulation to the affected areas, usually for a few minutes at a time. The temporary lack of blood flow to the area causes distinct color changes, often a stark, waxy white as above; sometimes a dusky blue ; and as the circulation returns, the areas sometimes turn a bright pink or red. (Also see: What is Raynaud's?)
Severe cases of systemic scleroderma and Raynaud's (as well as other illnesses) may cause a total lack of blood supply to the extremities. When this happens, necrosis (death of tissue) and gangrene may set in, sometimes making it necessary to have the affected part(s) amputated.
Raynaud's and gangrene sets in more frequently among scleroderma patients who smoke or use caffeine, because such substances further constrict blood vessels. (Also see: Raynaud's Prevention)
Related Links
Digital Ulcers ISN Photo Repository: Digital (Finger) Ulcers ISN.
GangreneISN Photo Repository: Gangrene in Fingertips (Enlarged). ISN.
Raynaud's Attack, Blue Fingers, by ISN Photo RepositoryISN Photo Repository: Raynaud's (Alexandra M.) ISN.
ISN Photo Repository: Raynauds (Joyce) ISN.
ISN Photo Repository: Raynauds (Judith). ISN.
Raynaud's in Fingertips by ISN Photo RepositoryISN Photo Repository: Raynaud's (Shelly S). ISN.
Gangrene and Amputations. ISN.
ISN Photo Repository (Main Page). ISN.
ISN Photo Repository: Finger Ulcers. ISN.
What is Raynaud's? ISN.
Raynaud's: Treatments: Severe Cases. ISN.
Skin Involvement: Digital (Finger) Ulcers. ISN.
Scleroderma and Symptom Photos Wanted for ISN Photo Repository
We want photos of scleroderma symptoms to post on this web site or use in our printed materials to illustrate symptoms such as Morphea, Linear, Sclerodactyly (hardened fingers), Raynaud's, Calcinosis, Telangiectasia (etc). If you have any form of scleroderma or related illnesses and photos of your symptoms that you'd be willing to donate to the ISN Photo Repository, please email JPG files to webmaster@sclero.org. International Scleroderma Network.
Keep on Surfing!
Go to ISN Photo Repository: Raynaud's 4: Shelly S.
Contact ISN. We are a full-service nonprofit scleroderma charitable foundation.

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