Types of Scleroderma
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Limited cutaneous | Skin thickening limited to hands/face/feet; associated with CREST features; slower progression |
| Diffuse cutaneous | Widespread skin involvement; higher risk of early lung/kidney/heart involvement |
CREST Syndrome (Limited Scleroderma)
| Letter | Feature |
|---|---|
| C | Calcinosis — calcium deposits under skin |
| R | Raynaud's phenomenon |
| E | Oesophageal dysmotility — swallowing difficulty |
| S | Sclerodactyly — skin thickening of fingers |
| T | Telangiectasia — small dilated blood vessels |
Blood Tests
| Test | Significance |
|---|---|
| ANA | Positive in ~95% |
| Anti-centromere antibody | Associated with limited scleroderma/CREST |
| Anti-Scl-70 (topoisomerase) | Associated with diffuse disease and lung fibrosis risk |
| Anti-RNA polymerase III | Associated with kidney crisis risk |
Scleroderma Renal CrisisSudden severe high blood pressure with reduced kidney function in scleroderma is a medical emergency requiring immediate ACE inhibitor treatment — untreated, it can rapidly cause kidney failure.
Regular Organ ScreeningPeople with scleroderma need regular lung function tests, echocardiograms, and kidney monitoring, as internal organ involvement can develop silently before symptoms appear.
Is Raynaud's always a sign of scleroderma?
No — most Raynaud's is primary (not associated with any underlying disease). Nailfold capillaroscopy and specific antibody testing help distinguish primary from secondary Raynaud's related to scleroderma.
Can scleroderma be cured?
No cure exists, but treatments targeting specific organ involvement (lungs, kidneys, skin) and managing symptoms significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.