Skin involvement in systemic sclerosis, which includes both limited/CREST and diffuse scleroderma, can include hair loss, calcium deposits, open sores, swelling, gangrene, changes in skin color, itching, small mouth, swollen or hardened skin on fingers or elsewhere, and dry skin. When skin hardens on the fingers, it is called sclerodactyly. (Also see What is Scleroderma?, Types of Scleroderma, and Systemic Sclerosis)
Patterns and predictors of skin score change in early diffuse systemic sclerosis from the European Scleroderma Observational Study. Two prediction models for progressive skin thickening were derived, for use both in clinical practice and for cohort enrichment in randomised controlled trials. PubMed, Ann Rheum Dis, 2018 Apr;77(4):563-570.
Alopecia (hair loss) may occur with scleroderma, if it affects the scalp. ISN.
Overview of Alopecia (Hair Loss) Alopecia and Autoimmune Diseases Alopecia and Scleroderma Alopecia Causes |
Alopecia Treatments Alopecia Research Alopecia Personal Stories |
Calcinosis. The systemic forms of scleroderma can cause small white calcium lumps to form under the skin on fingers or other areas of the body. ISN.
Overview Photos of Calcinosis Diagnosis |
Treatment Stories |
Collagen, Face Lifts, and Scleroderma. Collagen injections should be used with caution in people who have had certain autoimmune diseases. ISN.
Overview of Collagen Injections Collagen Injections and Autoimmune Diseases Face Lifts and Scleroderma |
Scleroderma Lips As Cause of Autoimmune Diseases Repair for Linear/Morphea Scleroderma |
Digital Ulcers. Systemic scleroderma and Raynaud's can cause painful ulcers on the fingers or toes, which are known as digital ulcers. ISN.
Overview Sentinal Sign Capillaroscopy Treatments -- Surgical -- Topical |
Digital Ulcer Stories Photos Prevention & Treatment Raynaud's Stories Research |
In the initial stages, the systemic forms of scleroderma may cause edema (swelling) in the fingers.
Scleroderma Elbow Tip Pains "A common area of involvement of this condition is the skin over the tips of the elbows (the olecranon area). When this skin is involved, it can lead to troublesome irritation of the tips of the elbows with tenderness noted when any pressure is applied." MedicineNet.
Fingernails, Nailfolds, and Cuticles. The systemic forms of scleroderma can cause the fingernails to become smaller, and cuticles to become hard or rough. ISN.
Overview Cuticles: Periungual Erythema Fingernail Abnormalities Causes of Fingernail Symptoms and Abnormalities |
Lack of Fingerprints Manicure Safety Nail Biting Nailfold Capillaroscopy |
Gangrene and Amputations. Severe cases of scleroderma and Raynaud's 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. ISN.
Overview Causes of Gangrene Scleroderma and Smoking |
Photos of Gangrene Personal Stories Related Pages |
Hypopigmentation and Hyperpigmentation. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) such as limited or diffuse scleroderma, can cause hyperpigmentation (darkening) and hypopigmention (lightening) of the skin, usually in the areas which have been affected by skin hardening. ISN.
Overview Drug-Induced: Minocycline Drug-Induced: Plaquenil |
Salt and Pepper Appearance Ultraviolet Light Therapy |
Itching may precede and accompany skin tightening in limited and diffuse systemic sclerosis (lSSc, dSSc, SSc). It is caused by the inflammation, and is a temporary phase. ISN.
Overview Itching Emergency Drug-Induced Skin Itching Itching QOL and Disability |
Rashes Treatments for Itching Xerosis (Dry Skin) |
Points to consider for skin ulcers in systemic sclerosis. Biomarkers should be considered or consideration should be given to storing serum, plasma or cells for possible future analysis. PubMed, Rheumatology (Oxford), 2017 Sep 1;56(suppl_5):v67-v71.
Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of ischemic toe ulcer in a patient presenting systemic sclerosis. We report herein a clinical case illustrating the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of ischemic ulcers of the toes in systemic sclerosis. PubMed, Ann Dermatol Venereol, 2017 Jan;144(1):55-59.
Microstomia. Systemic scleroderma can cause the mouth area to shrink and harden, which can impair chewing, brushing, flossing, and dental work. When the mouth becomes smaller, it is called "microstomia". ISN.
Microstomia (Small Mouth) and Scleroderma Prevention of Microstomia |
Treatments for Microstomia Microstomia Personal Stories |
The Neck Sign is a distinctive pattern of yellow-brown plaque with beading and ridging. See Scleroderma Photos.
Raynaud's causes blood vessel spasms, which can cause painful coldness, color changes, numbness and tingling. ISN.
Overview Diagnosis Treatments Medications Improving Circulation Prevention |
Rewarming Tips Heatsock Directions Tips from Patients Research Patient Support Patient Stories |
Sclerodactyly. When fingers and/or toes become tight, stretched, wax-like, and hardened it is called sclerodactyly. ISN.
Overview Photos Sclerodactyly and Scleroderma Treatments |
—Physical Therapy —Surgery Sclerodactyly Personal Stories |
Skin Fibrosis. Scleroderma is named after skin fibrosis, which is one of its most common and recognizable symptoms. Skin fibrosis eventually develops in most patients. Sclero means "hard" and derma means "skin". ISN.
Overview Diagnosis Progression Physical Therapy Oral Hygiene Treatments |
d-Penicillamine Spontaneous Remission Myositis (Muscle Inflammation) Research Personal Storie |
Skin Viscoelasticity. Skin is the largest organ in our body. It protects us from environmental factors, like sunshine and chemicals. It is like elastic, in that it stretches and then snaps back to its original shape and size, which is called viscoelasticity. ISN.
Overview Measurement |
Early Diagnosis of SSc Elastography |
Telangiectasia may appear on the hands or face. These are tiny red dots, which are caused by blood vessels dilating near the surface of the skin. ISN.
Video Overview Photos Dictionary T's in Scleroderma Diagnosis |
Treatment Cosmetic Warnings Corrective Cosmetics Patient Stories References |
Wound Healing can be a real challenge for many scleroderma patients. Any wound that does not show improvement after a couple of days should be brought to your doctor's attention. ISN.
Xerosis may occur from Scleroderma causing the skin to become excessively dry. Very mild soaps and lotions (often baby products) are recommended. ISN.
What is Xerosis? Treatments Moisturizers Bag Balm Udder Cream |
Baby Products Tips from the Skin Site The Scleroderma Bath References |
In Loving Memory of Lorraine Wempner, a donation to tackle scleroderma has been made by Paul Wempner. Posted 11/13/2019. (Also see: ISN News)
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