What are the signs and symptoms of limited scleroderma?

What are the signs and symptoms of limited scleroderma?

Telangiectasias are permanently dilated small blood vessels. They can develop externally in the skin and may appear as a group of red lines. While some varieties of scleroderma occur rapidly, signs and symptoms of limited scleroderma usually develop gradually.

How does scleroderma look like on the skin?

The hard, thick skin can feel anchored in place. If you have morphea (more-fee-uh), the most common type of scleroderma, the patches may not feel too hard. In time, the hardened skin may soften. Where you have hardened skin, you’ll often see that the area is shiny, discolored, and has hair loss.

Are there different types of scleroderma in different people?

There are many different types of scleroderma. In some people, scleroderma affects only the skin. But in many people, scleroderma also harms structures beyond the skin, such as blood vessels, internal organs and the digestive tract (systemic scleroderma). Signs and symptoms vary, depending on which type of scleroderma you have.

When to see a doctor for scleroderma symptoms?

The skin may feel hard or tight — but not always. If you have a salt-and-pepper look on your skin, you should see a doctor. This can be a sign that you have a type of scleroderma that affects internal organs. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the better your prognosis (what is likely to happen).

What are the first signs of scleroderma?

The most common symptom of scleroderma disease is a hardening or tightening of patches of skin, however, one of the first signs of scleroderma is an exaggerated reaction to cold temperatures or emotional distress, which can cause numbness, pain or discoloration of the fingers or toes.

What is the prognosis for scleroderma?

The prognosis of scleroderma depends on the real situation of the patient. The common length of survival for patients with scleroderma after diagnosis is 5-10 years. According to the study, the 5-year survival rate for patients with scleroderma is about 85%, whereas the 10-year survival rate is less than 70%.

What is the cause of scleroderma?

The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown. There are a number of environmental factors that appear to be related to scleroderma or scleroderma-like illnesses, including exposure to silica dust, vinyl chloride, epoxy resins, and other organic solvents.

What do you need to know about scleroderma?

  • Symptoms. Scleroderma can cause swelling of the hands and thickened skin on the fingers.
  • Types. The two main types of scleroderma are localized and systemic.
  • Causes. Research into the cause of scleroderma is ongoing.
  • Diagnosis.
  • Treatment.
  • Complications.
  • Management.