Other names for the localized form are morphea and linear scleroderma. Systemic sclerosis is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects the joints, skin, and internal organs. Scleroderma is also associated with blood vessel abnormalities. Systemic sclerosis occurs only rarely in children. Scleroderma is considered to be a multifactorial condition.
Multifactorial inheritance means that many factors are involved in causing a health problem.
The factors are usually both genetic and environmental, where a combination of genes from both parents, in addition to unknown environmental factors, produce the trait or condition. Females are affected with scleroderma three to four times more often than males. Scleroderma can lead to scarring of the skin, joints, and other internal organs. The following are the most common symptoms of scleroderma. However, each child may experience symptoms differently.