Scleroderma, a potentially serious medical condition, may have several potential causes and triggers. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several genetic abnormalities cause scleroderma, but the disease's onset is frequently triggered by a variety of contributing environmental factors. For unknown reasons, these environmental triggers cause the body's immune system to turn against its own healthy cells, leading to the scar-like production of excess collagen. Consult your health care provider about environmental causes of scleroderma.
Chemical Exposure
Several hazardous chemicals may cause scleroderma in susceptible people, according to the UMMC. No scientific evaluations have conclusively linked any chemicals to the onset of scleroderma, but the UMMC reports that white spirit, epoxy resin, silica, welding fumes and solvents tend to cause respiratory distress in people with the condition. If you are routinely exposed to these compounds in the workplace, your physician may advise you to seek a more accommodating work environment.
Chemotherapy Drugs
According to MayoClinic.com, certain chemotherapy drugs may cause the onset of scleroderma. Powerful drugs such as doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, used in cancer treatment, may trigger the autoimmune response that causes scleroderma. If you were treated for cancer in the past and have a personal or family history of scleroderma, consult your health care provider about possible methods for minimizing this risk factor.
Radiation
Radiation therapy, used in cancer treatment, may cause or worsen scleroderma. According to the UMMC, radiation-related scleroderma frequently manifests as morphea, or localized patches of scleroderma. Alternatively, radiation therapy might worsen pre-existing cases of the condition. Although radiation-related scleroderma sometimes appears shortly after cancer treatment, the UMMC reports that it can sometimes occur several years after exposure to radiation.
