HARDENING AND TIGHTENING OF THE SKIN AND OTHER TISSUES
Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)
A chronic autoimmune disease causing hardening and tightening of the skin, with potential involvement of blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, heart and digestive system. Managed with specialist long-term care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Scleroderma
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, with potential involvement of internal organs including blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, heart and the digestive system. The condition is more common in women, typically beginning in middle age. It is broadly classified into limited scleroderma (skin involvement mainly on hands, face and lower arms) and diffuse scleroderma (more widespread skin and earlier organ involvement). Typical features include skin tightening, thickening and discolouration, Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white, blue then red in cold or stress), digital ulcers, joint pain, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, breathlessness due to lung involvement and high blood pressure. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, specific autoantibody tests, nailfold capillaroscopy and tests for organ involvement. Treatment is highly individualised and includes management of skin and Raynaud's, treatment of organ complications, specific medical therapy and supportive care. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation and co-management with rheumatology at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Autoimmune attack on connective tissues
- Strong female predominance
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental triggers including some chemical exposures
- Hormonal factors
- Possible viral triggers in susceptible individuals
- Exact cause not fully understood
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical features, specific autoantibody tests, nailfold capillaroscopy and tests for organ involvement
Limited cutaneous · Diffuse cutaneous · Scleroderma overlap syndromes
Skin and Raynaud's care, organ-specific therapy and immune-modifying therapy
Major cause of morbidity — needs regular screening
Serious complication — requires urgent recognition
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with rheumatology
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Specialist Care with Organ-Specific Management
The most effective approach is specialist rheumatology co-management with structured skin and Raynaud's care, regular screening for organ involvement, organ-specific treatment when needed, and immune-modifying therapy in selected patients with progressive disease.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines skin and other systems and arranges blood tests, autoantibody panel and organ function tests.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with rheumatology and relevant specialists based on the type and organ involvement.
- 3
Medical Management
Skin and Raynaud's care, treatment of digestive and lung involvement, immune-modifying therapy in selected cases and management of complications.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term follow-up with regular screening for new organ involvement and progression of existing involvement.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Skin Care and Moisturisation
Regular moisturisation, gentle skin care and management of skin tightness with physiotherapy help preserve flexibility and comfort.
Raynaud's Phenomenon Care
Keeping warm, avoiding cold exposure, stopping smoking and specific vasodilator medical therapy help control Raynaud's and prevent digital ulcers.
Treatment of Digestive Involvement
Specific medical therapy for reflux and motility issues, dietary advice and small frequent meals help manage swallowing and heartburn.
Screening and Treatment of Lung Involvement (Referral for pulmonology)
Regular screening with lung function tests and imaging detects interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension early, allowing timely treatment.
Immune-Modifying Therapy in Selected Cases (Referral for rheumatology)
Specific immune-modifying therapy is used in progressive or severe disease, particularly with significant skin or lung involvement.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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