Progressive Systemic Sclerosis

Progressive systemic sclerosis, also known as systemic scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue that causes hardening and thickening of the skin and can affect internal organs.

Common symptoms: tight, hardened skin especially on the hands and face, color changes in the fingers with cold, swelling, joint stiffness, and, depending on the case, digestive or respiratory discomfort.

When to seek care? When persistent skin changes appear, marked sensitivity to cold in the fingers, or symptoms suggesting involvement of other organs.

Which specialist treats it? The rheumatologist and the internist are the professionals who study this type of autoimmune disease and coordinate the follow-up. An early evaluation with a specialist makes it possible to closely monitor the course of systemic sclerosis.