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: Linear scleroderma typically lasts two to five years, and morphea lesions last an average of three to five years. 5 ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿
Common Symptoms of Systemic Sclerosis
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) can affect connective tissues in many parts of the body. The two main subtypes are limited cutaneous SSc, which progresses slowly over a period of years, and diffuse cutaneous SSc, which covers more skin area and progresses more quickly to multiple organs and systems. 6
Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Limited cutaneous SSc is also called CREST syndrome, an acronym for its common conditions and symptoms. CREST syndrome
People with limited cutaneous SSc may have two or more common features of CREST syndrome: Calcinosis, which are calcium deposits in the skin
Raynaud's phenomenon, a spasm of blood vessels in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset that can decrease blood flow in fingers or toes
Esophageal dysfunction, which is when smooth muscles that line the esophagus lose normal movement and function
Sclerodactyly, a thickening and tightening of the skin of the fingers and hands
Telangiectasia, a swelling of capillaries (small blood vessels) near the surface of the skin on the face and hands that causes red spots
Common skin-related symptoms of limited cutaneous SSc include: Fingers or toes turn blue and/or white when cold and then become bright red when warmed back up
Swelling and sausage-like appearance of fingers
Skin thickening on the face, arms, and legs
Small, hard lumps in or under the skin (calcinosis)
Fingers curl due to skin tightening
Range of finger motion is reduced
Waxy, mask-like appearance of face
Tiny red spots on hands and face
Abnormal skin dryness
An estimated 95% of SSc cases begin with Raynaud's phenomenon, according to the American Scleroderma Foundation. In limited cutaneous SSc, Raynaud's phenomenon often occurs for several years prior to skin thickening. 7
Early symptoms of limited cutaneous SSc involve sensitivity and/or swelling of fingers or toes. The swelling of the hands may be especially pronounced in the morning due to muscle inactivity during sleeping hours.