Question

Which of the following describes a chronic, progressive, systemic autoimmune disorder that causes hardening and shrinking of the skin?

A.SLE

B.systemic scleroderma

C.RA

D.multiple sclerosis

Answer 1

Systemic scleroderma is a chronic, progressive, systemic autoimmune disorder that causes hardening and shrinking of the skin.

Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.

Scleroderma affects women more often than men and most commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. While there is no cure for scleroderma, a variety of treatments can ease symptoms and improve quality of life.

There are many different types of scleroderma. In some people, scleroderma affects only the skin. But in many people, scleroderma also harms structures beyond the skin, such as blood vessels, internal organs and the digestive tract (systemic scleroderma). Signs and symptoms vary, depending on which type of scleroderma patient have.

Symptoms

Scleroderma's signs and symptoms vary, depending on which parts of your body are affected:

Skin. Nearly everyone who has scleroderma experiences a hardening and tightening of patches of skin. These patches may be shaped like ovals or straight lines, or cover wide areas of the trunk and limbs. The number, location and size of the patches vary by type of scleroderma. Skin can appear shiny because it's so tight, and movement of the affected area may be restricted.