Juvenile Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare condition that affects the skin and connective tissue. Scleroderma means "hard skin". Thickening and tightening of the skin occur. This is from a build-up of collagen and other natural skin proteins. A local inflammatory/immune response is thought to cause this.

There are two main types of scleroderma:

• Localised scleroderma is the most common type in children and young people. It can affect the skin and soft tissues in a variety of patterns. But linear lesions, affecting an arm, leg or scalp are most frequent. Joint and eye inflammation can also occur.
• Systemic scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a very rare condition in children and young people. It often starts with the Raynauds phenomenon. It can go on to involve the skin and internal organs such as the gut with reflux symptoms, muscles, heart, lungs or kidneys.

Localised Scleroderma DOES NOT OVERLAP with Systemic Scleroderma

These conditions are usually managed by the Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology Team.

Please follow the links below to find out more about the various forms of scleroderma, including its diagnosis, treatment and management.

• Scleroderma and Raynaud's UK Website
• Juvenile Scleroderma Network (JSDN) Website