early signs of scleroderma
While some varieties of scleroderma occur rapidly, signs and symptoms of limited scleroderma usually develop gradually. They include: 1  Tight, hardened skin. 2  In limited scleroderma, skin changes typically affect only the lower arms and legs, including fingers and toes, and sometimes the face and neck. Raynaud's phenomenon is often one of the earliest signs of limited scleroderma, but many people have only Raynaud's and never develop scleroderma. 2  Red spots or lines on skin. 3  These small red spots or lines (telangiectasias) are caused by the swelling of tiny blood vessels near the skin's surface.