Scleroderma Skin Complications and Treatments Along with the signature skin fibrosis (hardening) that characterizes scleroderma, there are other scleroderma complications related to the skin that may occur. Raynaud’s Phenomenon Nearly 90% of those with scleroderma have Raynaud’s phenomenon symptoms. Raynaud’s phenomenon affects nearly all people with systemic sclerosis and often appears months to years before other symptoms of scleroderma. Skin Ulcers For people with scleroderma, complications in the form of skin ulcers most often appear at the tips of fingers (digital ulcers), may extend under the nails, or to the joints at pressure points. Calcinosis Calcinosis is a complication of scleroderma where an abnormal collection of calcium salts form under the skin and in muscles or tendons. Telangiectasia Telangiectasias are abnormal blood vessels that usually appear as red dots on the skin or may look like varicose veins, with a spider-web form. Skin Fibrosis More than 90% of people living with systemic scleroderma (SSc) experience skin fibrosis. Severe skin tightening can impair the use of fingers and toes. The skin of the face may also tighten and harden, especially around the mouth. More Resources Resources for Newly Diagnosed There is a lot to understand about this complicated disease. Here is a place to get started. Treatment Centers Patients who are diagnosed with scleroderma are encouraged to receive care at a specialized Treatment Center. Webinar Series Scleroderma Research Foundation collaborates and co-hosts free online webinars providing scleroderma health and wellbeing. SRF Webinars: Skin Complications Scleroderma Skin Care (2026) Get practical skin-care guidance from Dr. Heidi Jacobe and hear firsthand strategies for managing scleroderma skin symptoms. New Directions for Scleroderma Treatments, with Dr. Andrew Tager (2013) Discover how researchers are targeting fibrosis and exploring new treatment directions that could help prevent or reverse scarring in scleroderma. Load More The Latest News & Stories About Complications and Treatments Raise Awareness October 8, 2026 Finally Home on the Ranch: Stephen Refuses to Let Scleroderma Slow Him Down "He is a DIY guy with a degree in electric engineering, so there really wasn't anything he couldn't do! He was in the peak of health and felt incredible," says Naomi W. of her husband Stephen (dx 2025). "Then, at the beginning of last year, something changed." "His hands became... Resources September 17, 2026 Missed Our SSc-ILD Webinar? Recording is Now Live on Youtube The full recording of "Staying Ahead of Scleroderma-ILD: Understanding Treatment and Progression” is now live on the SRF YouTube channel—including the Q&A session, where attendees got real-time answers straight from our featured expert, Toby Maher, MD, PhD (Professor of Clinical Medicine at Keck School of Medicine at the University of... Resources September 8, 2026 Register Now: Only 1 Week Left Until Our SSc-ILD Focused Webinar on September 15 Join us on Tuesday, September 15 to hear from Toby Maher, MD, PhD (Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California).At the event, he will cover how SSc-ILD progression is recognized, the signs patients and clinicians should watch for, and how that recognition... Raise Awareness September 1, 2026 The 6th Annual ILD Day Is Just Around the Corner The 6th Annual ILD Day is just around the corner! Register for two upcoming webinars from the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF). ILD is one of the most serious complications of scleroderma, but it can also affect people living with a range of other conditions... View All News & Stories
