Scleroderma, caused by immune system dysfunction, is a chronic disease in which the connective tissue hardens. Connective tissue is responsible for supporting and strengthening the organs and is found throughout the body. Problems with the connective tissue can therefore affect many or all organ systems. The symptoms of scleroderma vary from person to person, but certain symptoms may be more common initially.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon most commonly occurs independently of scleroderma. In other words, most people with Raynaud's phenomenon do not have scleroderma. However, in people who develop scleroderma, this is commonly the first symptom. Raynaud's phenomenon causes the blood vessels supplying the fingers and toes to spasm, particularly in response to cold weather. As a result, they may change colors to white, blue or red, and feel numb or tingle.
Skin Changes
Skin changes in scleroderma depend on whether the scleroderma is confined to the skin or affects multiple organ systems. If it is localized to the skin, changes include circular or oval-shaped thick areas of skin with a purple or dark border and a white or shiny middle. Alternatively it may cause lines or streaks of thick skin on the forehead, arms or legs. If the scleroderma is the multiple organ system type, the skin around the fingers, hands, face and mouth will become shiny, thickened and tight, restricting movement.
Heartburn
The effect of scleroderma on the gastrointestinal tract may cause heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The tissues of the esophagus and stomach may become more fibrous and less muscular, causing trouble moving food through the GI tract. As a result, acid may reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.
CREST Syndrome
CREST syndrome, a subtype of scleroderma, causes one or more of the following symptoms. The "C" stands for calcinosis and refers to calcium deposits in the skin. The "R" refers to Raynaud's syndrome, as discussed above. The "E" refers to esophageal dysmotility, which means that the esophagus has trouble moving food, causing difficulty with swallowing, food getting stuck in the esophagus or acid reflux. The "S" refers to scerodactyly, meaning a thickening and tightening of the skin on the hands. Finally, the "T" stands for telangiectasias, which are red marks on the skin.
