Scleroderma in children
At Children’s Health℠, we work closely with both you and your primary care provider so that everyone involved has the information they need to create the best outcomes for your child. In our rheumatology clinic, dedicated health care professionals help patients and their families manage diseases like scleroderma (sclero·der·ma).
What is pediatric scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that cause the skin and connective tissues (tissues that support the skin and internal organs) to get thick and hard. A healthy immune system protects your child from infection by attacking invaders such as viruses or other pathogens. In children with scleroderma, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue, leading to the disease. Scleroderma is rare in children.
What are the different types of scleroderma in children?
There are two types of scleroderma in children:
Localized (morphea) only affects certain parts of the body (usually the skin) but does not affect major organs. This is also called morphea.
Systemic scleroderma can affect the entire body (skin, tissues, blood vessels and major organs).
What are the signs and symptoms of scleroderma in children?
Hardening or thickening of the skin
Extreme sensitivity to cold that causes discoloration, numbness or pain in the fingers and toes (known as Raynaud's phenomenon)
Heartburn
Enlarged blood vessels on the hands and face and around the nail beds
Small white lumps under the skin
How is scleroderma in children diagnosed?
There are several tests to diagnose scleroderma in children. A doctor will go over your child's medical history and perform a physical exam.
Your healthcare provider may also perform one or more of the following tests:
Blood tests
Urine tests
X-rays
Computerized tomography (CT) scan, a noninvasive test that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the body
Echocardiogram, a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart
Skin biopsy, which involves the removal of a small amount of tissue from the skin using a small blade or skin punch tool. The tissue is later examined under a microscope
Not every child needs all these tests. Your physician will tell you exactly what the next steps are. Each year, the specialists at Children’s Health see more than 1,000 pediatric patients for scleroderma and other rheumatic disorders. We have the skills and resources necessary to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for your child too.
What are the causes of scleroderma in children?
The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown.
How is scleroderma in children treated?
The severity and type of your child’s scleroderma will determine the treatment.
Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Medications to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system, dilate blood vessels, relieve heartburn and decrease blood pressure
Physical therapy (PT) to maintain flexibility and range of motion
Lifestyle changes that include exercise, keeping the hands and feet warm, not smoking, wearing sunscreen, avoiding hot baths and showers and avoiding strong soaps or chemicals
Children’s Health is part of the largest and longest established multi-specialty clinic for children with rheumatic diseases in the region. We take a multidisciplinary approach to caring for your child. This allows us to offer our patients care from multiple specialists and experts, in a single appointment, at one location.
If your child has symptoms of scleroderma, contact us. We provide the comprehensive and individualized care necessary to put your child back on the path to a healthy life.
Scleroderma in children doctors and providers
Tracey Wright, MDPediatric Rheumatologist
Julie Fuller, MDPediatric Rheumatologist
Lorien Nassi, MDPediatric Rheumatologist