Scleroderma and Raynaud's Phenomenon are both conditions that can affect the skin. A bit of explanation is in order. Raynaud's Disease is a condition where small blood vessels in the fingers spasm, causing the finger to become white, then blue, and then red. The diagnosis is made most of the time by observing these changes in both hands, usually in response to cold or stress, over a period of several years without finding complications or other causes.
Smoking makes the condition worse.
Raynaud's Phenomenon occurs when the symptoms of Raynaud's Disease are caused by another underlying condition. Connective tissue diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Scleroderma or vascular diseases or inflammations are frequently the cause of Raynaud's Phenomenon. Some consider the two conditions as part of a spectrum, and suggest that a search for causes be made whenever the symptoms occur. These problems involve disorders of collagen, a common substance in the body and an important part of the blood vessel wall. It is diagnosed mostly by noting the symptoms, and there are many other conditions that can cause some of the symptoms, making the diagnosis difficult, particularly in the early stages.