The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

Autoimmune disease causing fibrosis and vascular damage of skin and internal organs.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)?

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which excessive collagen deposition, microvascular damage and immune dysfunction affect the skin and internal organs. It is divided into limited cutaneous (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous (dcSSc) subtypes; sine scleroderma — without clinical skin involvement but with internal-organ disease — is also recognised.

In limited disease, skin thickening stays distal to the elbows and knees; CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud, oesophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia) is typical. In diffuse disease, thickening extends to the trunk and serious complications such as lung fibrosis, scleroderma renal crisis and cardiac involvement are more common.

Anti-centromere antibodies are associated with the limited form; anti-Scl-70 (topoisomerase I) and anti-RNA polymerase III with the diffuse form. Treatment is individualised by subtype and organ involvement; no therapy yet halts the disease entirely.

Symptoms

Raynaud phenomenon (colour changes in the fingers)
Skin thickening in the fingers and hands
Telangiectasias and digital ulcers
Dysphagia and reflux
Shortness of breath and dry cough
Joint pain and contractures
Loss of facial expression and limited mouth opening
Weight loss and fatigue

Risk Factors

Female sex (4-5 times more common)
Age 30-50
Family history of scleroderma or autoimmune disease
Exposure to silica dust or organic solvents
Exposure to certain chemotherapy agents
Vinyl chloride exposure
Genetic factors such as HLA-DRB1
Epstein-Barr virus infection

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New-onset Raynaud phenomenon
  • Skin thickening and swelling of the fingers
  • Dysphagia and resistant reflux
  • Unexplained shortness of breath
  • New hypertension and impaired renal function
  • Non-healing ulcers on the fingertips

Treatment Methods

01
Calcium-channel blockers and prostacyclin analogues for Raynaud
02
Bosentan and sildenafil for digital ulcers
03
Mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide or nintedanib for lung fibrosis
04
Early ACE inhibitor therapy for scleroderma renal crisis
05
Endothelin-receptor antagonists for pulmonary hypertension
06
High-dose PPIs for reflux
07
Physiotherapy and prevention of joint contractures
08
Autologous stem-cell transplant in selected cases

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.