Scleroderma and Raynaud’s Disease

UMass Memorial Health rheumatologists take care to accurately diagnose these conditions. We also make sure you understand the details of the condition you have, so you can make informed decisions about your care and treatment.

What Is Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes body tissues to thicken. Localized scleroderma only affects the skin. Its symptoms usually include waxy, stiff and swollen skin.

If you have scleroderma in other parts of your body, it’s called systemic scleroderma or systemic sclerosis. This form of the disease may show up in your joints, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lungs, heart and blood. Systemic scleroderma is more serious. It is a chronic condition that can damage blood vessels and internal organs.

What Is Raynaud’s Disease?

Raynaud’s disease can cause your fingers and toes to become very cold, numb or painful. You may also see color changes (white, blue or red) in the affected areas. These symptoms come from your blood vessels constricting more intensely than normal, due to cold temperatures or stress.

While these symptoms are similar to those of autoimmune conditions, most patients with Raynaud’s disease experience it as a disruptive but mild condition that comes and goes. It doesn’t typically indicate an underlying autoimmune disease.