Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the connective tissues in the body. It is characterized by abnormal growth of collagen, a protein that forms the framework for the skin and other organs. This excessive collagen production leads to thickening and hardening of the skin, as well as damage to internal organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive system.
Scleroderma is derived from the Greek words "skleros" meaning hard and "derma" meaning skin, which accurately describes the primary symptom of the disease. However, it is important to note that scleroderma is not limited to the skin and can affect multiple organs.
Systemic sclerosis is another term used to describe scleroderma, emphasizing its systemic nature. The word "systemic" refers to the fact that the disease can affect various systems of the body, including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems.
Localized scleroderma is a milder form of the disease that primarily affects the skin, causing patches of thickened skin or bands of hardened tissue. This form is often limited to specific areas of the body and does not typically involve internal organs.
Morphea is a subtype of localized scleroderma that presents as oval-shaped or circular patches of hardened skin. These patches may be discolored and can range in size from small to large. Morphea usually does not cause systemic symptoms and is generally not associated with internal organ involvement.
In summary, scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the abnormal growth of collagen, leading to skin thickening and damage to internal organs. It can also be referred to as systemic sclerosis, localized scleroderma, or morphea, depending on the extent and location of the symptoms.