Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a skin condition affecting about 300,000 people in the United States. If you develop hardened or tightened skin and need relief, see the experts at StrongURCare in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. The experienced urgent care team diagnoses and treats scleroderma to enhance your skin’s health and avoid severe complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office, booking online, or walking in today.

What is scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition characterized by skin thickening and tightening, though it can also affect other tissues throughout your body. Scleroderma occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues. It triggers excess collagen production, leading to thicker, more fibrous tissues.

Left untreated, scleroderma can be dangerous if it affects your organs. The StrongURCare team helps you avoid scleroderma complications and manage unpleasant symptoms. 

What are the symptoms of scleroderma?

The symptoms of scleroderma include:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Thickened skin around your toes, fingers, arms, face, chest, stomach, or legs
• Thick streaks or patches on your skin
• Finger or toe discoloration
• Skin that feels waxy
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Numbness and swelling in your muscles
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Digestive problems
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Heart, kidney, or lung problems
• Weakened immune system

The symptoms you experience will depend on whether the condition affects only your skin or also your internal structures.

What are the risk factors for scleroderma?

The cause of scleroderma isn’t clear, but its risk factors appear to include:

• Genetic changes
• Family history of scleroderma
• Being 30-50 years old
• Being black
• Exposure to some viruses, chemicals, medicines, or drugs
• Being a woman

Women are four times more likely than men to have scleroderma.

How is scleroderma diagnosed?

Diagnosing scleroderma at StrongURCare involves a review of your medical history, a discussion of your symptoms, and a physical exam. You might need blood work, lung function tests, a biopsy, an endoscopy to view the inside of your digestive tract, heart function tests, as well as X-rays, a CT scan, or another imaging procedure.

How is scleroderma treated?

Scleroderma is incurable, but the experts at StrongURCare can help you manage your symptoms and avoid complications. Your personalized treatment plan can include:

• Skin treatments, including creams and moisturizers
• Lifestyle changes
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Light therapy
• Medication
• Immunosuppressants
• Injections
• Infusions
• Stem cell or organ transplants

If you need surgery, the StrongURCare team offers referrals. They follow up to ensure that your scleroderma treatment is effective.

It’s also helpful to eat healthy foods, maintain an ideal weight, stay active, protect your skin, minimize stress, and avoid smoking.

Schedule a scleroderma evaluation at StrongURCare by calling the office, using the online booking feature, or walking in today.