Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare and chronic condition that can affect many parts of your body including the skin, joints, blood vessels and internal organs. The word "scleroderma" means hard skin and can include skin changes and various other symptoms. The condition affects women three to five times more often than men. It usually starts between the ages of 30 to 50, but also can affect children and the elderly. Scleroderma can be either limited, affecting mainly the hands and face, or diffused, affecting the arms, legs and trunk.

The cause of scleroderma is unknown. The immune system may cause excess amounts of a protein called collagen to deposit in the skin and organs and cause thickening and hardening of the skin.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call:
Rheumatology Clinic (415) 353-2497

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007