Do I Have Scleroderma?

Do you have a swelling of your hands and feet?

Do you have red spots on the skin (telangectasias)?

Do you have patches of hardened and tightened skin, in oval shape or as straight lines?

Do you have a shiny skin or a tight, mask-like facial skin?

Do you have sores on your fingertips and toes?

Do you have pain and stiffness in your joints?

Do you have a persistent cough?

Do you have shortness of breath?

Do you have heartburn?

Do you have difficulty swallowing?

Do you have bouts of cramps, bloating, constipation or diarrhea?

Do you have a noticeably irregular heartbeat?

Do you have high blood pressure?

Do you have dry eyes and mouth (Sjögren's syndrome)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have scleroderma. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by an abnormal growth of the connective tissue. Although, a rare disease, scleroderma is more common in women than in men, and it usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. Scleroderma can only affect your skin, causing normal skin to become hard or thick. But in some people, scleroderma can affect internal organs and blood vessels and this type or scleroderma is called systemic scleroderma. The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown. It is believed that it is the result of genetics, environmental triggers and immune system problems.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have scleroderma. Scleroderma is a chronic disease in which the normal tissue of the skin and organs becomes replaced by thick, dense tissue that contains large amounts of collagen. In scleroderma, your immune system triggers cells to produce too much protein called collagen, which builds up in your skin and organs causing it to harden and thicken. The symptoms of scleroderma can range from mild to severe depending on the affected area and the extent of the disease. Diagnosing scleroderma is based on a thorough physical examination, blood tests, a skin biopsy and imaging or organ-function tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have scleroderma. Scleroderma is also called systemic sclerosis. It is a long-term condition that causes the excess growth of the connective tissue, which leads to the thickening of your skin and internal organs. In addition to your skin, scleroderma can affect your gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, muscles and joints. The most severe cases of scleroderma can be life-threatening. There is no cure for this condition, and treatment includes controlling and managing the symptoms with medications, dietary changes, physical therapy and a stress management therapy.