Common Symptoms of Scleroderma

Symptoms vary depending on the type and organs involved. Typical features include:

• Skin tightening, thickening or hardening (often starting in the fingers and hands)
• Raynaud’s phenomenon — fingers/toes turning white/blue on cold or stress
• Joint pain, stiffness and reduced mobility
• Gastrointestinal symptoms — reflux, difficulty swallowing, bloating
• Shortness of breath or cough from interstitial lung disease or pulmonary hypertension
• Kidney problems or high blood pressure in severe cases

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown, but it involves immune system activation, vascular damage, and excess collagen production. Risk factors and associations include:

• Autoimmune dysfunction: Abnormal immune response leading to fibrosis.
• Genetic predisposition: Family history may increase risk though disease is not strictly hereditary.
• Environmental exposures: Certain chemicals or silica dust have been linked in some cases.
• Gender & age: More common in women and often presents between ages 30–50.

Diagnosis of Scleroderma

Diagnosis is made by clinical assessment supported by laboratory and imaging studies. Important evaluations include:

• Thorough clinical examination of skin, vascular and organ signs
• Autoantibodies: ANA, anti-centromere, anti-Scl-70 (anti-topoisomerase I) and others
• Pulmonary function tests and HRCT chest for interstitial lung disease
• Echocardiography and right heart assessment for pulmonary hypertension
• Renal function tests, urine analysis, and blood pressure monitoring
• Endoscopy if significant GI involvement is suspected

A multidisciplinary team (rheumatology, pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, dermatology) is often required for complete assessment and care planning.

Treatment & Management of Scleroderma

There is no cure for scleroderma, but targeted treatments can control symptoms, slow organ damage, and improve quality of life. Management is individualized and may include:

• Vasodilators for Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ischemia
• Immunosuppressants (mycophenolate, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide) for skin and lung disease
• Antifibrotic and targeted therapies where indicated
• Treatment for pulmonary hypertension (specific vasodilator therapies)
• Proton-pump inhibitors and prokinetics for GERD and GI symptoms
• Regular monitoring of renal function and blood pressure; emergency management for scleroderma renal crisis
• Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and skin care to maintain function

Close monitoring and timely escalation of therapy are essential to prevent irreversible organ damage.

Self-Care & Lifestyle Recommendations

Patients can adopt measures that reduce symptoms and support overall health:

• Protect hands and feet from cold; use warming measures to reduce Raynaud’s episodes
• Skin moisturization and sun protection
• Elevate head while sleeping and use medications for reflux control
• Maintain active lifestyle with physiotherapy-guided exercises
• Avoid smoking and maintain a heart- and lung-healthy diet
• Regular follow-up and prompt reporting of new symptoms

Why Choose Dr. Aditi Patankar Deshpande for Scleroderma Care?

Dr. Aditi Patankar Deshpande provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for scleroderma with individualized treatment plans and close monitoring. Her expertise in systemic autoimmune diseases, combined with coordinated care with pulmonologists, cardiologists, nephrologists and therapists, ensures early intervention and focused management to preserve organ function and improve patient outcomes.