{"id":11020,"date":"2026-07-22T18:45:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:45:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=11020"},"modified":"2026-07-22T18:45:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:45:43","slug":"scleroderma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/scleroderma\/","title":{"rendered":"Scleroderma"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1392735839.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-11021 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1392735839-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1392735839-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1392735839-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1392735839-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1392735839-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1392735839-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1392735839-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Scleroderma is a rare\u00a0chronic\u00a0condition that causes the body to produce tissue that is thicker\u00a0than it should be. It usually affects the skin, but it can also cause symptoms\u00a0in other parts of\u00a0the body.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If a person has scleroderma, their immune system triggers the body\u2019s cells to produce too much collagen. Collagen helps the body have strong, healthy connective tissue to support the organs and hold parts of the body in place. However, when the body produces too much collagen, the skin and other tissue can become thicker and more fibrous than they should be.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some people who have early scleroderma\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have\u00a0any symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms\u00a0include:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joint pain<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fatigue<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Patches or streaks of thickened, waxy skin<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Raynaud\u2019s syndrome<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unexplained weight loss<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Heartburn or acid reflux<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are two main types of\u00a0scleroderma: localized and systemic\u00a0sclerosis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Localized scleroderma only affects one part of the body, usually the skin, and causes thick patches or streaks on the skin\u00a0that feel waxy. This type of scleroderma is most common on the chest, arms, legs, stomach, hands, and feet. Localized scleroderma may get\u00a0better on its own, and it\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0usually spread to other parts of the body.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Systemic sclerosis can affect other organs as well as the skin, including the lungs, heart, stomach,\u00a0and small\u00a0bowels. It can affect a person\u2019s ability to breathe or process nutrition.\u00a0Systemic sclerosis has three subtypes:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Diffuse sclerosis<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Limited sclerosis, also known as CREST syndrome<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sine sclerosis<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Systemic sclerosis can cause symptoms that may seem unrelated to each other, such as:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Coughing or shortness of breath<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trouble swallowing<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Muscle numbness or tingling<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or trouble controlling your\u00a0bowels<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Abnormal heartbeats, including heart blocks<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dry eyes and mouth<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Itching\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Experts\u00a0aren\u2019t\u00a0sure of what causes scleroderma, but they know it is an autoimmune disease. Scleroderma\u00a0can be hereditary, as biological parents can pass it on to their children. However, it is rare enough that there\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0any definitive proof that it is a genetic disorder.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Anyone can develop scleroderma, but you may be at a higher risk if you are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Female<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Black\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Between the ages of 30 and 50 years old<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Black people are more likely to have scleroderma, and it is more common to develop it earlier in life and experience more severe skin\u00a0and lung symptoms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A person with scleroderma is more likely to have Raynaud\u2019s syndrome and Sj\u00f6gren\u2019s syndrome. Some types of\u00a0scleroderma\u00a0can cause severe complications, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A weakened immune system<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cardiovascular disease<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Congestive heart failure<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kidney failure<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pulmonary fibrosis<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pulmonary hypertension<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Needing a finger or toe amputated<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cancer<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gastrointestinal diseases<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Diagnosing scleroderma is usually part of a differential diagnosis, which means\u00a0a healthcare provider will have to use a few tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms before giving\u00a0you\u00a0a scleroderma diagnosis.\u00a0A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and tests, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Blood tests to see how\u00a0well your\u00a0immune system is functioning<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A biopsy to remove a sample\u00a0of your\u00a0affected skin or other tissue for lab testing<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pulmonary function tests to show if your lungs or respiratory system are affected<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Endoscopy if you are experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A healthcare provider may also recommend imaging tests, such as:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">CT scan<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chest X-ray<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Echocardiogram<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Electrocardiogram (EKG\/ECG)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unfortunately, there\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0a cure for scleroderma. A healthcare provider will help you\u00a0find\u00a0treatments that manage the symptoms and\u00a0lessen how much they\u00a0impact\u00a0your daily life.\u00a0The treatments you receive depend on where\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0experiencing symptoms and their severity. Some treatment options include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Immunosuppressants<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Medicines to manage specific symptoms<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Skin treatments<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Physical therapy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Phototherapy or light therapy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stem cell transplants<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of scleroderma, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center\u2019s\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/clinical-services\/ambulatory-care\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ambulatory Care Center<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page.   You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter.<strong>  PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scleroderma is a rare\u00a0chronic\u00a0condition that causes the body to produce tissue that is thicker\u00a0than it should be. It usually affects the skin, but it can also cause symptoms\u00a0in other parts of\u00a0the body.\u00a0\u00a0 If a person has scleroderma, their immune system &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/scleroderma\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1,510,14,10,4],"tags":[47,101,721,2575,630],"class_list":["post-11020","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-health","category-health","category-lifestyle","category-mens-health","category-orthopedics","category-womens-health","tag-cancer","tag-weightloss","tag-mens-health","tag-scleroderma","tag-womens-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11020","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11020"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11020\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11023,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11020\/revisions\/11023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11020"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11020"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11020"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}