Scleroderma

Scleroderma

Scleroderma (also known as systemic sclerosis) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and other organs. Patients with scleroderma experience thickening and tightening of the skin, but also inflammation and scarring. This can cause problems with your organs. Living with scleroderma can be challenging. It can limit your physical activities and cause problems with digestion.

Doctors do not know what causes scleroderma, but medication can help stop or reverse the skin thickening or hardening.  Diagnosis can be tricky, as there is no blood test or X-ray that can definitively diagnosis this disease. Our rheumatologists will perform a physical examination and a detailed review of your medical history. Blood tests and/or X-rays may be ordered.

Nebraska Medicine offers a clinic dedicated to the treatment of scleroderma. Led by Marcus Snow, MD, a rheumatologist with a research interest in scleroderma, this unique clinic special focus in diagnosis and treatment of scleroderma, Raynaud's Disease and similar conditions.