Scleroderma Stories: Elie Ramia

Elie Ramia was just three years old when her mother, Terry-Jo noticed a strange bruise on the back of her leg. After being diagnosed as eczema and then later, a birthmark, Terry-Jo accepted the doctor’s word and the family carried on as usual.

20 facts you should know about pediatric scleroderma. 

In 2012, Terry-Jo felt something was off with her daughter. This time she noticed that the skin on Elie’s right foot was thicker than her left and the pigmentation of the skin also looked different. After visits to several dermatologists, the family was finally given the correct diagnosis of linear scleroderma.

Linear scleroderma mainly affects children and is a localized form of the disease. The spread of skin involved usually happens over the course of a few years and then stops, but damage to the skin may affect the muscles and bones underneath. Find out more about linear scleroderma here. 

Elie’s diagnosis hasn’t stopped her from living a full life and as a lively five-year-old, she can do everything her peers do, even though the muscle tone in one leg is compromised by her condition. She is also now a face for the Scleroderma Foundation, helping to raise awareness of the disease. Read more about Elie’s story here. 

Find out more about pediatric scleroderma in this video. 

Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.