Scleroderma

Scleroderma means “hard skin”, which is the most visible manifestation of this disease. However, it can also affect the lungs, joints, muscles, blood vessels and digestive system. It is rare, more likely to affect women than men, and usually starts between the ages of 25 and 55.

Symptoms include skin thickening and hardening, Raynaud’s phenomenon, difficulty swallowing and digestive problems, as well as joint pain and stiffness.

Treatments

Treatments very much depend on the symptoms experienced as scleroderma can affect so many body systems. Drug treatments may include steroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or immuno-suppressants. Exercise and good skin care are both important for managing this condition. See the links below for more information.

Patient information leaflets

We produce a wide range of leaflets which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital. 

We also produce these in different formats including large print, please contact the department you are visiting for more information.

Find out more

Useful videos

We have a wide range of videos which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital. 

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Information for healthcare professionals

Nice have produced the following guidance on how to recognise inflammatory back pain. Find out more here

Last updated: September 20, 2022

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