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)