Scleroderma
Expert diagnosis and personalized treatment at Arthritis Care of Los Angeles.
What is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that cause the skin and connective tissues to harden and tighten. The word scleroderma means 'hard skin.' There are two main types: localized scleroderma, which mainly affects the skin, and systemic sclerosis, which can affect the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs including the lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive tract. Systemic sclerosis can range from mild to severe. Early diagnosis and careful monitoring are important for managing the condition and protecting vital organs.
Common Symptoms
- Hardening and tightening of the skin, especially on fingers, hands, and face
- Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white, blue, then red in cold)
- Swollen, puffy fingers and hands
- Thickening of skin on the trunk
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Difficulty swallowing (esophageal involvement)
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Shortness of breath (if lungs are affected)
- Small calcium deposits under the skin
- Fatigue
Experiencing these symptoms? Get expert care today.
How is Scleroderma Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves physical examination of the skin, blood tests (ANA, Scl-70, anti-centromere antibodies), nailfold capillaroscopy to examine tiny blood vessels, and assessment of organ involvement through pulmonary function tests, echocardiogram, and CT scans. Dr. Forouzesh performs a thorough evaluation to determine the type and extent of scleroderma and develop a personalized monitoring plan.
Treatment Options
Immunosuppressive Medications
Mycophenolate, methotrexate, or cyclophosphamide to slow skin thickening and treat lung or other organ involvement.
Vascular Medications
Calcium channel blockers, PDE-5 inhibitors, or prostacyclins to manage Raynaud's phenomenon and improve blood flow.
Biologic Therapies
Tocilizumab and other targeted therapies for skin and lung involvement in systemic sclerosis.
Gastrointestinal Management
Proton pump inhibitors and dietary modifications to manage reflux and swallowing difficulties.
Organ Monitoring
Regular pulmonary function tests, echocardiograms, and blood pressure monitoring to detect and treat organ complications early.
Key Statistics
300,000
Americans estimated to have scleroderma
Source: Scleroderma Foundation
4:1
Female to male ratio
Source: American College of Rheumatology
25-55
Most common age of onset (years)
Source: NIH/NIAMS
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Expert Care?
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Solomon Forouzesh, MD, FACP, FACR — a board-certified rheumatologist with 50++ years of expertise in arthritis and autoimmune diseases.