Systemic Autoimmune & Connective Tissue Diseases

Scleroderma

4 MIN READ· PHYSICIAN-REVIEWED· UPDATED 2026

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes thickening of the skin and can affect blood vessels, lungs, heart, kidneys, and the digestive tract. At Premier Rheumatology in Boca Raton, FL and Queens, NY, our rheumatologists provide comprehensive scleroderma care — including organ-specific monitoring, vasodilator therapy for Raynaud's, immunosuppression, and on-site biologic infusion therapy in Boca Raton for select patients.

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation and abnormal connective tissue changes that can affect the skin, joints, blood vessels, and internal organs. The course of scleroderma varies widely, ranging from localized skin involvement to more systemic disease affecting multiple organ systems. Symptoms often develop gradually and may change over time.

Because scleroderma can affect different parts of the body in different ways, early recognition and comprehensive rheumatologic care are important for long-term management and monitoring.

What Is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which the immune system triggers inflammation and excessive collagen production. This can lead to thickening and tightening of the skin and, in some cases, involvement of internal organs such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart, or kidneys.

The condition is inflammatory and systemic rather than degenerative, and disease severity can vary significantly among individuals.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of scleroderma may include:

Thickening or tightening of the skin
Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
Cold sensitivity or color changes in the fingers
Fatigue
Digestive discomfort or swallowing difficulties
Shortness of breath in some cases

Not all individuals experience the same symptoms or degree of involvement.

What Causes Scleroderma?

The exact cause of scleroderma is not fully understood, but contributing factors may include:

Autoimmune system activation
Genetic susceptibility
Environmental triggers
Abnormal collagen production

These factors may interact to influence disease development and progression.

How Is Scleroderma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

Review of symptoms and medical history
Physical examination focusing on skin and joint findings
Laboratory testing to assess immune markers
Imaging and organ-specific testing when indicated

Because symptoms can overlap with other connective tissue diseases, careful assessment is important.

Treatment Options for Scleroderma

Treatment is individualized and may include:

Symptom-focused therapies to manage skin and joint discomfort
Medications aimed at modulating immune activity when appropriate
Advanced therapies for systemic involvement
Infusion-based treatments in select cases
Supportive care to address organ-specific symptoms

Management strategies are adjusted based on disease manifestations.

When to See a Rheumatologist

A rheumatology evaluation may be appropriate if you experience:

Progressive skin thickening or tightening
Joint pain with systemic symptoms
Circulatory changes in the fingers
Symptoms affecting multiple organ systems

Specialized care is essential for diagnosis and long-term monitoring.

Our Approach to Treating Scleroderma

Our approach emphasizes personalized care, careful monitoring, and coordination with other specialists when needed. Treatment plans are designed to address individual symptoms while supporting long-term health.

For patients requiring advanced or infusion-based therapies, these options are provided as part of comprehensive rheumatologic care.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of scleroderma, scheduling a consultation allows for thorough evaluation and discussion of appropriate management options.

Available on-site in Boca Raton

On-site biologic & IV infusion therapy

Receive your infusion treatment in the same office where you see your rheumatologist — no separate infusion-center referral needed.

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Common questions

Frequently asked

What's the difference between localized and systemic scleroderma?+

Localized scleroderma (morphea) affects only the skin and underlying tissue. Systemic sclerosis can affect internal organs as well — that is the more serious form and the one that requires ongoing rheumatology care.

Why do my fingers turn white in the cold?+

Most scleroderma patients experience Raynaud's phenomenon, in which small blood vessels in the fingers and toes spasm — turning the skin white, then blue, then red. Medications and avoiding cold exposure usually help.

How is scleroderma diagnosed?+

Diagnosis is based on skin findings, antibody blood tests (ANA, anti-centromere, anti-Scl-70, anti-RNA polymerase III), nailfold capillary examination, and assessment of internal organ involvement.

Can scleroderma be cured?+

There is no cure, but treatments effectively control symptoms and protect organs. Early diagnosis and regular monitoring make a major difference in outcomes.

What organs does scleroderma affect?+

Skin, blood vessels (Raynaud's), lungs (interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension), heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Regular screening for these is part of routine care.

What treatments are available?+

Vasodilators for Raynaud's, immunosuppressives such as mycophenolate or methotrexate for skin and lung disease, ACE inhibitors for kidney protection, and biologic infusions for select patients. We offer infusion therapy on-site in Boca Raton.