Title: Scleroderma: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
Headings: Symptoms of Scleroderma
Symptoms of Scleroderma
Types
Common Symptoms of Localized Scleroderma
Linear Scleroderma
Morphea Scleroderma
Common Symptoms of Systemic Sclerosis
Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
CREST syndrome
Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Rare Symptoms
Complications
Complications of Localized Scleroderma
Complications of Systemic Sclerosis
When to See a Doctor
A Word From Verywell

Content: Common esophageal symptoms include: Heartburn (the sensation of burning behind the breast bone)
Difficulty or pain while swallowing
Regurgitation
Hoarseness
Mouth ulcers
Acid taste in the mouth
The most common symptom is heartburn. This is due to irritation of the esophagus by acid reflux (stomach acid backing up or refluxing up the esophagus). How Heartburn Is Treated
Sometimes excess collagen collects in the tissue between the lungs' air sacs in people with limited cutaneous SSc, making the lung tissue stiffer and less able to work properly. If the lungs become affected, common additional symptoms include: Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Raynaud's phenomenon often occurs simultaneously or just prior to skin thickening in those with diffuse cutaneous SSc. Diffuse cutaneous SSc can involve the heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and central and peripheral nervous systems. Common symptoms of diffuse cutaneous SSc include: 6
Swelling and sausage-like appearance of fingers
Skin thickening over large areas of the torso, hands, arms, and legs
Waxy, mask-like appearance of face
CREST syndrome (see above)
Skin darkening or a salt-and-pepper appearance
Thinning of lips and furrowing around mouth
Muscle and joint pain and/or stiffness
Grating noise with movement of joints
Weight loss
Fatigue
Heartburn
Gastroparesis (sensation of nausea, fullness, or bloating from retention of food in stomach)
Cramps and/or diarrhea
Chronic cough
Shortness of breath
Muscle and joint pain may also occur along tendons and in muscles in the arms and legs. This can worsen with movement of the ankles, wrists, knees, or elbows.