Scleroderma

Derived from the Greek words “sklerosis,” meaning hardness, and “derma,” meaning skin, Scleroderma literally means hard skin. Although it is often referred to as if it were a single disease, Scleroderma is really a symptom of a group of diseases that involve the abnormal growth of connective tissue, which supports the skin and internal organs.

It is sometimes used, therefore, as an umbrella term for these disorders. In some forms of Scleroderma, hard, tight skin is the extent of this abnormal process. In other forms, however, the problem goes much deeper, affecting blood vessels and internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Scleroderma is called both a rheumatic disease and a connective tissue disease. The term rheumatic disease refers to a group of conditions characterized by inflammation or pain in the muscles, joints, or fibrous tissue. A connective tissue disease is one that affects tissues such as skin, tendons, and cartilage.

Scientists and researchers estimate that about 250 people per million have some form of Scleroderma, and its cause is not known. Some evidence has been found that genes are important factors, but the environment seems to also play a role. The fact that genes seem to cause a predisposition to developing Scleroderma means that inheritance at least plays a partial role.

It is not unusual to find other autoimmune diseases in families of Scleroderma patients. Some evidence for the role genes may play in leading to the development of Scleroderma comes from the study of Choctaw Native Americans who are the group with the highest reported prevalence of the disease. The disease is more frequent in females than in males, and isn't considered contagious, but it can greatly affect self-esteem and the ability to accomplish everyday tasks.