Scleroderma

Scleroderma a diffuse connective tissue disease characterized by fibrotic, degenerative, and inflammatory changes in the skin, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, and internal organs.

The cause of scleroderma is unknown. The disease may produce local or systemic symptoms. The course and severity of the disease varies widely in affected persons. Damage to small blood vessels within the skin and affected organs is also thought to occur. In the skin, ulceration, calcification, and small changes in pigmentation may also occur. The disease usually affects people of 30 to 50 years of age. Women are affected more often than men in Bangladesh. [Md Shahidullah]