Scleroderma is a rare, chronic disease of the immune system, blood vessels and connective tissue. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissue within the body.
‘Scleroderma’ comes from the Greek, ‘sclero,’ meaning hard, and ‘derma’, meaning skin.
Scleroderma occurs when your body produces too much collagen, which is a strong, fibre-like protein. Collagen is useful because it provides a kind of scaffolding to support the skin and the body’s connective tissues. When you have scleroderma, extra collagen builds up. This can make your skin stiff, tight, thick or scarred. For some people, this build-up affects the blood vessels, joints and muscles, and internal organs.
There are many types of scleroderma and so everyone’s experience of scleroderma is different.
What causes Scleroderma?
The cause of scleroderma is still unknown, although medical professionals are continuing to carry out research
Scleroderma in children
When your child is diagnosed with scleroderma it is important to have reliable information and support when you need it.
FAQs about Scleroderma
Everyone has questions about scleroderma, and here we have compiled some of the most common questions we are asked about scleroderma.
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Sara lives with limited scleroderma
“My advice to anyone diagnosed with scleroderma is to make sure that you connect with SRUK. I also strongly recommend joining a support group, as this is really good for information and support. Always try to get as much sleep as you possibly can. ”
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Avtar is passionate about raising awareness
“The more people know about this condition, the better. It is quite obscure, and I had never heard of it before. I decided to reach out because I wanted to meet others who may be in a similar situation.”
Download our publications on scleroderma
Learn more about scleroderma
Signs & symptoms of Scleroderma
Everyone’s experience of scleroderma is different. It depends on what type you have, how severe it is, and what parts of your body are affected.
Diagnosing Scleroderma
The first step to getting diagnosed is to book an appointment with your GP
Newly diagnosed with Scleroderma
What to know when you have just been diagnosed with Scleroderma