Scleroderma is a disease characterized by limited or diffuse fibrosis or sclerosis of the connective tissue of the skin and visceral organs, culminating in atrophy. It is divided into limited scleroderma and systemic scleroderma (also called progressive systemic sclerosis). The two types of scleroderma have different clinical manifestations, visceral damage and prognosis. What factors are associated with the development of scleroderma? The etiology is unknown, and the pathogenesis is based on the immune theory, the abnormal collagen synthesis theory, and the vascular theory. Who is prone to scleroderma? Is scleroderma contagious? The incidence of scleroderma is higher in women, and the age of onset is generally between 11-40 years for limited scleroderma and 21-50 years for systemic scleroderma, with some patients combining with other connective tissue diseases. How to prevent the occurrence of scleroderma in high-risk groups? The cause of this disease is still unclear and cannot be treated like the use of hepatitis B vaccine to prevent hepatitis B. There are no effective preventive measures and early detection and treatment is the main aspect. Is scleroderma easy to treat? What is the prognosis? Does it affect life expectancy? The prognosis for limited scleroderma is good. Some of the sclerotic spots can resolve on their own or fade with treatment, usually with local residual atrophic scarring and pigmentation, but the linear and disabling types are progressive and usually do not fade. The natural course of systemic scleroderma varies widely, with a 10-year survival rate of 65% after the first diagnosis, and is generally a chronic progressive process that can alternate between remission and exacerbation during the course of the disease. The focus is on early diagnosis and regular treatment. Some patients may die due to heart failure, kidney failure, lung infection, nutritional disorders, and intestinal necrosis. What are the conditions that require prompt medical attention? The first time patients are not familiar with the disease, and scleroderma can be divided into many types of clinical details, some scleroderma patients early skin hardening is not obvious, can be manifested as swelling, so patients should go to the hospital when they find any part of their body skin is not the same as other locations, by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Patients who have been diagnosed, when there is redness around the lesions or accompanied by itching, pain, breakage, etc., should promptly consult a doctor to guide the treatment.