What it is
There is no cure, but treatment can help control symptoms and protect organs.
Treatment may include medicines to calm the immune system, treatment for Raynaud's, acid reflux and blood pressure, physiotherapy and regular checks of the lungs, heart and kidneys.
Common signs
- Hard, tight or thickened skin
- Fingers and toes changing colour in the cold
- Swollen fingers
- Heartburn or difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Small red spots on the skin
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination by a specialist
- Blood tests for antibodies
- Lung, heart and kidney tests
- Sometimes a skin biopsy
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Rheumatology letters
- Antibody blood test results
- Lung function and echocardiogram reports
- Blood pressure and kidney test results
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is the scleroderma localised or systemic?
- Which organ checks do I need and how often?
- How can I protect my fingers in the cold?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A sudden severe headache, blurred vision, or very high blood pressure: call 112
- Ulcers or blackened skin on the fingers: get urgent help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.