In scleroderma, some as yet unknown factor triggers the over-production of collagen causing some thickening and hardening of the skin and other organs. The small blood vessels are also affected and cannot supply sufficient blood to many parts of the body. Scleroderma can be difficult to diagnose. There may be slowly evolving skin changes or malfunction of an organ. Scleroderma is found in all countries and ethnic groups, with patients ranging from infants to the elderly.
Symptoms usually appear between the ages of thirty and fifty.
While seemingly rare, scleroderma is far more prevalent than musclar dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and a host of other better known diseases. Scleroderma, as with any chronic disease is cause for emotional involvement. From the first frustrations of diagnosis, to coping with a long term illness which may drastically alter the lifestyle, the sufferer encounters stress. Depression is often a natural reaction to chronic disease, so emotional support is a major factor in the treatment of scleroderma. It must be realized that scleroderma is a disease of many symptoms which can vary in intensity in a short time.