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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffScleroderma results from an overproduction and accumulation of collagen in body tissues. Collagen is a fibrous type of protein that makes up your body's connective tissues, including your skin.
Although doctors aren't sure what prompts this abnormal collagen production, the body's immune system appears to play a role. For unknown reasons, the immune system turns against the body, producing inflammation and the overproduction of collagen.
- Scleroderma. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scleroderma/default.asp. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
- Hummers LK, et al. Scleroderma. In: Imboden JB, et al. Current Rheumatology Diagnosis & Treatment. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2725959. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
- Denton CP. Classification of scleroderma disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
- Varga J. Risk factors and possible causes of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
- Varga J. Overview of the clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
- What is a rheumatologist? American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/rheumatologist.asp. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
- Varga J, et al. Systemic scleroderma and the scleroderma-spectrum disorders. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders Company; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/217753976-2/0/1807/575.html?tocnode=55733367&fromURL=575.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10077-4_2830. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
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