6 Types of Scleroderma to Know About

According to the Scleroderma Foundation, scleroderma is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening (sclero) of the skin (derma), though it may also affect other organs. There is still no cure for scleroderma but effective treatments for some forms of the disease are available.

It can be separated into two major classifications: localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Learn more about the differences between them.

1. Localized scleroderma: It is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the skin from excessive collagen deposition. Usually, only a few places are affected, such as the skin or muscles, and this form rarely spreads elsewhere.

2. Morphea: Usually involves isolated patches of hardened skin of varying sizes, shapes and color with no internal organ involvement.

3. Linear scleroderma: This kind of localized scleroderma is usually characterized by a line of thickened skin which may affect the bones and muscles underneath it. It appears most commonly in the arms, legs, or forehead, although it is possible to occur in more than one area.

MORE: Wyatt Wright (a.k.a Wyatt The Warrior) is a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with localized scleroderma

4. Systemic scleroderma (systemic sclerosis): It is a multi-system disease which results in fibrosis and vascular abnormalities in association with autoimmune changes, affecting the connective tissue in many parts of the body. These lead to the breakdown of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles and internal organs (e.g. digestive tract, heart, lungs, and kidneys).

5. Diffuse scleroderma: More areas of the skin are involved and thickened, but there is a high degree of variability among patients. Skin of the arms, legs, and trunk are more likely to be involved. It has a higher risk of developing “sclerosis” or fibrous hardening of the internal organs. In this case, skin thickening occurs more rapidly and involves more skin areas than in the limited form of the disease.

6. Limited scleroderma: Around 50 percent of scleroderma patients have this type (which is slower and more benign). The skin thickening is less widespread, typically confined to the fingers, hands and face. In some cases, it can also affect the digestive tract, the lungs or heart. Usually, it develops slowly over years. Limited scleroderma is also known as CREST syndrome:

• Calcinosis
• Raynaud Phenomenon
• Esophageal dysfunction
• Sclerodactyly
• Telangiectasia

MORE: Seven common complications of scleroderma

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.