Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Recent and ongoing research indicates that this may be understated by a factor of 10. This does not imply an increase in the disease, rather an increase in awareness and in the diagnosis of cases. Most people diagnosed will be over 40 years old. Systemic sclerosis is a life threatening disease for which there is no cure.
Treatment is limited to the easing of symptoms and slowing progression.
Sudden kidney failure has been the worst problem in the past. Dialysis and kidney transplantation have been successful in reducing this from being the major cause of death. Lung involvement is now considered to be the worst condition that may develop. Anyone with Scleroderma should be seeing a rheumatologist or immunologist. Apart from the GP, who should coordinate treatment, patients might attend a gastroenterologist, ophthalmologist and dermatologist.