Scleroderma is a group of diseases characterized by the production and accumulation of collagen in the skin and connective tissues. The Mayo Clinic estimates that scleroderma affects 250 people out of every million in the United States. There are two main types of scleroderma: localized scleroderma and systemic scleroderma. Because there are different types of scleroderma, there are different possible signs that might occur.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) reports that one sign of scleroderma is Raynaud's phenomenon. This sign is characteristic of limited scleroderma, which is one type of localized scleroderma. Symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon are white and cold feet and hands in response to anxiety, stress or cold. This results from the contraction of blood vessels in the hands and feet. The hands and feet then turn red when blood flow is returned to the extremities.
Skin Problems
Another sign of scleroderma, according to MedlinePlus, is patches of thickened and hard skin. The skin may also become uncomfortably tight as it drawn taught over the bones. The International Scleroderma Network (ISN) describes one subtype of systemic scleroderma called morphea. Morphea is characterized by extreme thickening of patches of the skin that is typically yellowish or white with a surrounding pink or purple halo. In severe cases, there can be damage to the tissues of the fingers, hands or feet resulting from the lapsed blood flow.
Esophageal Dysfunction
NIAMS reports that a third sign of scleroderma is esophageal dysfunction, which is due to weakening of the smooth muscle surrounding the esophagus. Symptoms of esophageal dysfunction, according to NIAMS, are difficulty swallowing and chronic heartburn. The Mayo Clinic indicates that problems with the esophagus may extend to the gastrointestinal system, including problems with nutrition absorption if food does not move properly through the intestines.
Red Spots
According to MedlinePlus, another sign of scleroderma is the appearance of red spots on the hands and face. NIAMS reports that these red spots are due to swelling red blood vessels near the surface of the skin. These red spots usually are not painful.
