Scleroderma and your body

Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body's immune system becomes overactive, and attacks healthy tissues. Scleroderma affects different people in different ways, and no two cases will ever be identical.

Scleroderma can affect various parts of the body, leading to some potentially very serious complications. Because the symptoms differ so greatly from person-to-person, different people will need to be treated in different ways, depending upon how their disease is affecting them as an individual. Scleroderma is also a progressive condition, meaning that it may change over time. If you have been diagnosed with scleroderma, it is therefore very important to know exactly how this may affect your body, both now and in the future.

Regular checks and annual testing are a critical part of managing scleroderma, because these are designed to help your specialist spot any changes early and start any necessary treatment as quickly as possible, with a view to slowing down the progression of the disease and maintaining your quality of life.

Please follow the links below for more information on the various ways that scleroderma can affect the organs and systems of the body. It is worth remembering that since every case is different, not everyone will be affected in the same ways.