Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is rare

It is more common in women than in men and usually happens in people ages 20 to 50

Systemic sclerosis can cause tightening and hardening of the skin and damage to other organs

You may have problems in only one part of your body or have problems with multiple organs throughout your body

Systemic sclerosis gets worse over time, but treatment can lessen your symptoms

Swelling, thickening, and tightening of the skin, usually in your fingers

Fingers that get pale, tingly, and numb when you get cold (Raynaud syndrome Raynaud Syndrome Raynaud syndrome is a problem with blood flow in your fingers and rarely your toes. Blood vessels in your fingers close up too much The ends of your fingers turn pale and blue and feel numb... read more )

Heartburn

Trouble swallowing

Shortness of breath

Aches and pains in your joints

Sometimes, muscle pain and weakness

Blood tests

Breathing tests

CT (computed tomography) scan Computed Tomography A CT scan uses a large machine shaped like a large donut to take x-rays from many angles. A computer then takes the x-rays and creates many detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Each... read more of your chest

Echocardiogram Echocardiography and Other Ultrasound Procedures Echocardiography is also sometimes called an echocardiogram or an echo. An echo is an ultrasound of your heart. Sound waves bounce off your heart to create a moving image of your heart. This... read more (a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to create a video that shows how well your heart is pumping and how well your heart’s valves are working)

ECG Electrocardiography Electrocardiography is a test that measures your heart’s electrical activity. It's quick, painless, and harmless. The results of that test are shown in an electrocardiogram. It looks like a... read more (electrocardiography, a test that measures your heart’s electrical currents and records them on a piece of paper)

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen) to help with joint pain

Medicine to keep your immune system from damaging your tissues

Medicine to lessen heartburn

Medicine to dilate your blood vessels and lower blood pressure

Physical therapy and exercise

Sometimes, lung transplant Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation Lung transplantation is the surgical removal of a healthy lung or part of a lung from a living person and then its transfer into someone whose lungs no longer function. Heart-lung transplantation... read more