Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also referred to as systemic scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune condition in which fibrosis and vasculopathy affects the skin and various organ systems. The word scleroderma (“hard skin”) is derived from the Greek words “skleros,” meaning hardness, and “derma,” meaning skin.1 Scleroderma, as a condition of skin hardening, may present as localized…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the connective tissue characterized by widespread fibrosis and vascular abnormalities that cause systemic damage to the skin and multiple organ systems. There are no cures or medications that can prevent progressive deterioration. Surgery is considered when organ involvement is severe and other treatments have failed.1 Surgical…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease that may affect the skin, lungs, blood vessels, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and musculoskeletal system.1 The systemic manifestations and internal organ involvement of SSc are associated with increased mortality.2 Defining features of this disease include autoimmune processes, vascular endothelial damage, inflammation, and widespread fibroblast activation.1 The most frequent…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, autoimmune, connective tissue disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition and vascular abnormalities affecting the skin and/or internal organs.1 The exact etiology of the condition is unknown. As with many autoimmune conditions, the causative factors are believed to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Therefore, risk factors for…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder of connective tissue characterized by the widespread and excessive deposition of collagen in tissues.1 In addition, microvascular endothelial damage may contribute to internal organ dysfunction and comorbidities.2,3 The underlying etiology of autoimmunity in SSc is currently unknown and under investigation; however, researchers hypothesize that a combination…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease that is characterized by inflammation, vasculopathy, and excessive fibrosis. SSc can cause thickening of the skin and internal organs, as well as damage to the blood vessels, muscles, and joints. The extension of skin lesions in SSc allows for further classification of the disease into limited…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic autoimmune condition characterized by widespread fibrosis and vascular changes affecting the skin and internal organs.1 Within medical literature, there is a long history of disease presentation, along with continual progress toward refined knowledge that benefits diagnosis and treatment. Possible SSc in Ancient Writings Physicians in ancient times, including…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and many internal organs. Skin thickening caused by edema and excessive buildup of collagen-rich extracellular matrix is one of the defining clinical characteristics of SSc. In addition to sclerosis, the pathogenesis of SSc is defined by vasculopathy. It manifests with nailfold capillary abnormalities,…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic, autoimmune-mediated disorder affecting the microvasculature and connective tissues. The disease is characterized by the widespread development of fibrosis and endothelial abnormalities in the vasculature. Fibrosis interferes with the normal functioning of multiple internal organs, especially the heart, lungs, kidneys, and esophagus, and causes a host of complications due…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune-mediated connective tissue disorder that causes fibrosis and microvascular damage throughout multiple systems, including the skin, joints, and internal organs. Dietary and nutritional interventions are essential for patients with SSc due to gastrointestinal (GI) complications that can impair food intake, nutrient absorption, and fecal continence. These complications can result…
