Scleroderma is a chronic illness which is in the autoimmune category. The word is from the Greek words, “sclero” meaning hard and “derma” meaning skin.

Symptoms of Scleroderma vary greatly. Here are just a few:

• Thickening and swelling of the skin at the end of the fingers
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Heartburn and difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Polymyositis

Scleroderma can be limited to the fingers or hands only. It can also cover large areas of skin. It can be systemic and damage organs such as the kidneys, esophagus, intestines and lungs.

Children are also affected by this disease. They have either Localized Scleroderma, which is the most common form or Systemic. There are many treatment approaches for both children and adults. This is often a team approach with various specialties treating a patient.

Please visit the Scleroderma Foundation for more information, to learn about recent research and how to donate your time or money.