Scleroderma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Scleroderma?
Many people with scleroderma see a rheumatologist, a doctor who treats autoimmune diseases. A dermatologist, a skin doctor, may also help. Other specialists may be needed if organs are affected. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is scleroderma?
Scleroderma means "hard skin." It is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake. It causes inflammation and thickening in the skin and other parts of the body. This leads to areas of tight, hard skin.
There are two main types. The localized type only affects the skin and the tissues just under it. The systemic type is more serious. It is also called systemic sclerosis. It can harm blood vessels and organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Doctors split the systemic type into two kinds, called limited and diffuse. The kinds depend on how much skin is involved.
Symptoms
Symptoms are different for each person and depend on the type of scleroderma.
The localized type usually causes patches of thick, hard skin. One pattern is morphea, which is firm, oval patches. Another is linear scleroderma, which is lines of thick or differently colored skin down an arm or leg. Rarely, the lines run down the forehead.
The systemic type can cause problems in the organs as well as the skin. Symptoms can include:
- Thick, tight skin on the fingers
- Tiredness, called fatigue
- Raynaud's phenomenon, when narrow blood vessels make fingers or toes turn white, blue, or red and feel numb or sore from cold or stress
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Trouble swallowing, heartburn, or shortness of breath
- Red spots on the skin and hard lumps under the skin
The limited kind comes on slowly. The diffuse kind spreads further and is more likely to harm the organs. Most people with the systemic type have some loss of lung function.
Causes and who gets it
No one knows the exact cause. Certain genes can raise the chance of getting it. It is not passed from parent to child, but you are more likely to get it if a close relative has it.
Things around you, such as some chemicals, viruses, or medicines, may trigger it. Most people never find a trigger. Differences in hormones between women and men might also play a part.
Anyone can get it. It is more common in women than in men. It usually starts between ages 30 and 50. It is more common, and can be more severe, in African Americans.
How doctors diagnose it
No single test shows scleroderma. The symptoms can look like those of other diseases, so it can be hard to diagnose.
To find out if you have it, your health care provider:
- Asks about your symptoms and medical history
- Does a physical exam
- May order blood tests, including an ANA test
- May do a skin biopsy, which is a test of a tiny skin sample
- May do imaging tests to check for organ damage
Treatment
There is no cure for scleroderma, but treatments can help control symptoms and limit damage. Early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring are important.
Treatment may include:
- Medicines to lower swelling, ease pain, and prevent problems
- Medicines that improve blood flow or that calm down the immune system
- Physical or occupational therapy to ease pain, build strength, and learn easier ways to do daily tasks
- Regular dental care, because the disease can dry the mouth and speed up tooth decay
You can also help with symptoms. Dress warm, quit smoking if you smoke, use moisturizers, and stay active. In severe cases, surgery may be needed, for example to remove hard lumps under the skin.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you notice patches of thick, hard skin, fingers or toes that turn white, blue, or red from cold or stress, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. Some types can lead to severe, life-threatening problems.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can review your symptoms and refer you to a rheumatologist.
Common questions
Is there a cure for scleroderma?
No, there is no cure for scleroderma. Treatments can ease symptoms and limit damage.
What causes scleroderma?
The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown. Researchers think genes, things in the environment, immune system changes, and hormones may all play a part.
What is the difference between localized and systemic scleroderma?
The localized type only affects the skin and the tissues just under it, while the systemic type affects many parts of the body. The systemic type is more serious and can harm blood vessels and organs.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Scleroderma
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Scleroderma
- NHS - Scleroderma
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
