DR. CORA LIM-MEDICAL INSIDER

Systemic Sclerosis

(SCLERODERMA)

The word scleroderma means hard skin (sclera = hard, derma = skin). Systemic sclerosis causes tightening of the skin. It is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues called connective tissue diseases. Women are 3-4 times more likely than men to develop it. It usually starts between the ages of 25-55 years.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Systemic sclerosis can cause a range of symptoms affecting many different parts of your body:

1. Increased sensitivity to the cold

2. Changes in the skin

3. Pain or stiffness in the joints or muscles

4. Digestive problems

Sensitivity to the cold:

Your fingers or toes turn white then blue/red in the cold. This is called “Raynaud phenomenon” where:

  • Fingertips turn white as blood vessels constrict; 
  • Fingertips turn blue due to lack of oxygen, and 
  • Fingertips turn red as blood flow resumes.

Changes in the skin

There are also changes in the skin like: 

  • Thickening and Hardening of skin on your hands, arms and face thickening and hardening; 
  • Swelling of hands and/or feet swelling, especially in the morning; 
  • Shiny skin, without its usual creases; 
  • The skin on your face will be stiffening, making it difficult to open your mouth wide, and sometimes your lips becoming thinner; 
  • Small red spots will appear on your face, hands and arms (telangiectasia);
  • You will also have small, white chalky calcium lumps under your skin (calcinosis) in long standing disease. (To be continued)