SCLERODERMA IS THE NAME FOR A RANGE OF CONDITIONS

London Dermatology | 28 August 2024

The term “scleroderma” refers to a group of autoimmune diseases that can cause hard, thicker patches of skin as well as occasionally issues with blood vessels, internal organs, muscles, and bones.

The two main types of scleroderma are:

• localised scleroderma (morphoea) – this mostly affects the skin but some types can also affect tissues under the skin, such as muscle and bone
• systemic sclerosis  – this may affect blood circulation and internal organs as well as the skin

There are also different types of localised scleroderma and systemic sclerosis. Some types may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems.

Scleroderma cannot be cured, however its symptoms can typically be controlled with a variety of therapies.

The immune system of the body typically combats any pathogens that infect the body. It reacts in this way to everything it doesn’t recognise in the body and calms down once the infection has been eradicated.

It is believed that scleroderma develops as a result of an overactive and uncontrollably activated immune system. This causes the connective tissue’s cells to produce excessive amounts of collagen, which thickens and scars the tissue (a process known as fibrosis).

The reason for this is unknown. It’s believed that some genes play a role, and having a close relative who has the illness may make you more susceptible.