MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh), also known as systemic sclerosis, is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin. It may also cause problems in the blood vessels, internal organs and digestive tract.

Detailed explanation-2: -Scleroderma is a type of autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages healthy body tissue. The cause of scleroderma is unknown. A buildup of a substance called collagen in the skin and other organs leads to the symptoms of the disease.

Detailed explanation-3: -It is the most fatal of all the rheumatologic diseases. Systemic scleroderma is very unpredictable although most cases can be classified into one of four different general patterns of disease (see Classification).

Detailed explanation-4: -Hard, thickening, or tight skin. This trait is what gives scleroderma its name. Hair loss and less sweating. Dry skin and itch. Skin color changes. Salt-and-pepper look to the skin. Stiff joints and difficulty moving them. Muscle shortening and weakness. Loss of tissue beneath the skin. More items