Symptoms of Scleroderma

Scleroderma is divided into focal scleroderma and systemic scleroderma. Focal scleroderma is characterized by skin lesions only, while systemic scleroderma is characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, skin lesions, bone, joint and muscle lesions, and visceral lesions. 1. Focal scleroderma can be manifested as plaque-like, banded and dotted lesions, which are mainly localized skin lesions and do not involve internal organs. 2. Systemic scleroderma: (1) Raynaud’s phenomenon: 95% of patients’ first symptom is Raynaud’s phenomenon, which can be seen as paroxysmal finger (toe) small arteries and microvascular spasm, ischemia, presenting episodes of pallor, cyanosis and flushing three-phase reaction. (2) Skin damage: facial wrinkles are reduced, thinning of the lips, the tip of the nose is sharp like an eagle’s hook, and the opening of the mouth and tongue is restricted. (3) Bone, joint and muscle damage: joint swelling and pain, stiffness, finger deformity, muscle weakness, myalgia and muscle atrophy. (4) Damage to internal organs: it may manifest as dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, dyspnea, pericarditis, cardiac arrhythmia and so on. If the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time and standardize the treatment under the doctor’s guidance.