Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) and Raynaud’s Phenomenon: An Overview
What Is Systemic Sclerosis? Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also called scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue, blood vessels, and internal organs. The disease causes excessive fibrosis, leading to thickening and hardening of the skin and organs. It also damages small blood vessels (vasculopathy) and triggers the production of autoantibodies. Although the skin is most visibly affected, systemic sclerosis may also involve the lungs, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, muscles, joints, and nervous system. Common Symptoms and Organ Involvement Skin Thickened and hardened skin (sclerodactyly) Puffy or swollen fingers in early stages Tight facial skin with a pinched nose or “tobacco pouch” mouth Calcinosis (calcium deposits under the skin) Pigment changes Itching (pruritus) Vascular System Raynaud’s Phenomenon Raynaud’s phenomenon is often the first symptom of systemic sclerosis. Blood vessels in the fingers and toes temporarily narrow in response to cold or ...