5 Facts you should know about

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that may involve changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs

In addition to the skin, the most commonly affected organs are lungs and kidneys

It is characterized by increased synthesis of collagen (leading to sclerosis), damage to small blood vessels, activation of T lymphocytes, and production of altered connective tissue

Risk factors include family history, certain genetic factors, and exposure to silica

Women are more often affected than men – about 80% of cases

See our full disease profile

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