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.

SRUK
A patient discusses results with a nurse

Types de sclérodermie

Il existe deux types principaux de sclérodermie : la sclérodermie localisée et la sclérodermie systémique
Female researcher sitting at desk looking into microscope

Quelles sont les causes de la sclérodermie ?

The cause of scleroderma is still unknown, although medical professionals are continuing to carry out research
A young boy holding a small dog on his lap

La sclérodermie chez l'enfant

When your child is diagnosed with scleroderma it is important to have reliable information and support when you need it.
a sunflower in a field

FAQ sur la sclérodermie

Everyone has questions about scleroderma, and here we have compiled some of the most common questions we are asked about scleroderma.

Download our publications on scleroderma

Understanding Scleroderma

A longer publication all about scleroderma

Information

Learn more about scleroderma

Chloe holding her dog

Signes et symptômes de la sclérodermie

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.
a young black female doctor is talking to a patient

Diagnostiquer la sclérodermie

The first step to getting diagnosed is to book an appointment with your GP
a mixed race woman sitting at her table, reading information on a tablet screen

La sclérodermie vient d'être diagnostiquée

What to know when you have just been diagnosed with Scleroderma