The disorder is four times more common in women than in men. It typically produces taut, shiny skin. But, as it progresses, it causes peptic disease, characterized by heartburn and difficulty in the way the esophagus propels food into the stomach. In addition, lung scarring, heart irregularities and kidney failure frequently appear during the chronic stages of the disease. The course of scleroderma is variable and unpredictable.
Some patients experience only skin changes for many years.
Although most of the complications of scleroderma can be addressed by physicians specializing in internal medicine, you and your doctor may feel more comfortable seeking advice from other specialists, such as rheumatologists, gastroenterologists and so forth, as the need arises. At the very least, you are entitled to a thorough description of your disease and the treatment of your symptoms. Ask your doctor about this. The caloric value of foods is obtained by measuring the heat given off when the foods are burned.