Blood tests may include antinuclear antibody panel, antibody testing, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and rheumatoid factor test. The doctor will also order some tests that may include blood tests, chest X-ray, Echocardiogram, urine analysis, CT scan of the lungs and skin biopsy. To diagnose scleroderma the doctor will ask your medical history and will do a physical examination to look for some specific signs of the disease. Problems of digestive tract including heartburn, constipation, bloating, and difficulty in swallowing, diarrhea and fecal incontinenceĭry cough and shortness of breath with wheezingĮffect on kidneys can lead to high blood pressureĬalcium deposits on skin and other connective tissue These are formed from dilated blood vessels on the skin Telangiectasia, flat red marks on the face and hand, may be present. Scleroderma also causes sores on the fingers and toes It sometimes even changes the physical appearance of the face significantly This may lead to curling and loss of function of the fingers. Skin changes: Scleroderma causes hardness, tightening and swelling of the skin. This lack of blood supply causes color changes in the fingers and toes to white, blue and then red. It occurs from a temporary lack of blood circulation to the fingers and toes in response to cold and hot temperatures. Reynaud’s phenomenon: This is a characteristic sign of scleroderma and is present in most of the patients. Thus it is a more serious form of the disease than localized scleroderma and can even be fatal. Systemic: It affects not only skin but also muscles, joints, bones and even other organs such as heart, lungs and kidneys. However it may also spread to muscles, joints and bones and can cause serious complications. Localized: It affects mainly the skin of the face and hands and may cause streaks of thick skin (linear scleroderma) or discolored patches (morphea). It is not genetic and cannot be passed from parents to children although some genes are known to increase the risk for the disease. An abnormal immune response of the body against its own tissue is known to cause scleroderma. The exact cause of scleroderma is not known. It is not contagious.Ĭauses and risk factors: Scleroderma can occur in both adults and children but is more often seen in females in the age group of 25 to 50 years. Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes hardening of the skin.
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