1. What is scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition characterized by abnormal immune activity, blood-vessel changes, and excessive fibrosis. Systemic sclerosis can affect the skin as well as internal organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive tract.

2. What are the common symptoms of scleroderma?

Common symptoms include skin tightening or thickening, Raynaud's phenomenon, swollen fingers, joint symptoms, and heartburn. Some patients may also develop breathlessness or other symptoms related to internal-organ involvement.

3. What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon causes the fingers or toes to change colour in response to cold or emotional stress, often becoming white, blue, and then red. It results from temporary narrowing of small blood vessels and is very common in systemic sclerosis.

4. Can scleroderma affect the lungs?

Yes. Systemic sclerosis can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pulmonary hypertension. These complications may initially cause few symptoms, so lung function tests and other investigations are often used for regular screening.

5. Can scleroderma affect the digestive system?

Yes. It can affect the oesophagus and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, causing acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, bloating, or altered bowel habits. Appropriate lifestyle measures and medications can help control these symptoms.

6. Can scleroderma affect the heart and kidneys?

Yes. Systemic sclerosis can sometimes involve the heart or kidneys. Regular blood-pressure monitoring and appropriate heart and kidney assessments help identify complications early and allow timely treatment.

7. How is scleroderma diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on clinical features, examination, antibody tests, and nailfold capillaroscopy. Additional investigations may assess the lungs, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract to determine the extent of disease involvement.

8. Is scleroderma curable?

There is currently no definitive cure for systemic sclerosis, but many manifestations and complications can be effectively treated. Early detection of organ involvement and regular monitoring are important for improving long-term outcomes.

9. How is scleroderma treated?

Treatment is individualized according to the organs affected. It may include immunosuppressive medicines, blood-vessel treatments, acid-reducing medicines, and targeted therapies for specific lung, vascular, or other complications.

10. Why is regular follow-up important in scleroderma?

Some internal-organ complications may develop before obvious symptoms appear. Regular rheumatology follow-up allows monitoring of the lungs, heart, kidneys, blood pressure, skin, and circulation so complications can be detected and treated early.