Scleroderma

This condition is the thickening and hardening of the connective tissues in the skin, joints, arteries and internal organs. It’s a rare autoimmune condition that is twice as common in women as in men and usually develops between the ages of 40 and 60.

What are the symptoms?

Fingers and toes that are sensitive to the cold, becoming white and painful.

Small, hardened areas that appear on the fingers and may go on to ulcerate. Swollen fingers or hands. Pain in the joints, especially the joints in the hands.

Thickening and tightening of the skin, which is most severe on the limbs but may affect the trunk and face. Muscle weakness. Difficulty swallowing due to stiffening of the tissues of the oesophagus (the tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach).

Shortness of breath may develop if the lungs are effected. Sometimes it causes high blood pressure and, rarely, eventual kidney failure.

What’s the treatment?

Immune-suppressing drugs or drugs that interfere with collagen production may be given.

Support and counselling are important.

Physiotherapy.