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Symptoms of Scleroderma

 There are many symptoms of scleroderma and often these symptoms need the doctor’s trained eye to be diagnosed. Some types, as we learnt, affect some part of the body while other types affect the entire body. The skin symptoms include:

• Limbs and extremities that change color (white or blue) in extreme temperatures – this is called Raynaud's phenomenon
• Hardening of the skin
• Hair loss
• Change in skin texture and color
• Thickening of the skin in different parts of the body, like the arm
• Oozing from lumps that have formed on the skin
• Sores or ulcers on toes or fingers

If symptoms extend beyond the skin and move to the bones, the symptoms can change

• Numbness in the feet
• Joint pain
• Wrist pain
• Pain and stiffness in the joints of the fingers

When scleroderma affects organ systems, it can lead to different symptoms. For instance, scleroderma affecting the esophagus could lead to heartburn. Scleroderma affecting the lungs could lead to shortness of breath. Scleroderma affecting the colon could lead to chronic constipation or even diarrhea.

If you have a localized version of scleroderma, you could see white oval patches with purple borders or feature bands of hardened skin on either of the arms or the forehead.  If you notice symptoms of scleroderma or notice new symptoms, you should call your doctor or your medical practitioner.



Frequently asked questions

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References

1. Kemin Song, Shaowen Peng, Zheng Sun, Haitao Li, Rongya Yang, Curcumin suppresses TGF-β signaling by inhibition of TGIF degradation in scleroderma fibroblasts, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Volume 411, Issue 4, 12 August 2011, Pages 821-825, ISSN 0006-291X, 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.07.044.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X11012630)