The disease may produce local or systemic symptoms. The course and severity of the disease varies widely in those affected. A physician, called a rheumatologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating scleroderma. The specialist may want to biopsy a portion of your skin and examine it under a microscope to see if the skin contains an overabundance of collagen. A sample of blood will be taken from you to determine the presence of antinuclear antibodies which if the test is positive would indicate a connective tissue disorder.
Treatments vary with each individual depending on the symptoms.
Since blood circulation in the extremities may be disturbed, your physician may prescribe medications that improve blood circulation. Joint pain and stiffness caused by inflammation can usually be relieved with use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Itchy skin can be decreased with the use of cortisone creams. Heartburn can be reduced by using antacids or by using stomach acid inhibitors. In the majority of those affected, the disease is progressive.