Scleroderma is a disease that primarily affects the skin producing abnormal hardening of tissues.

The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown, however, it is termed an autoimmune disease, which triggers an overproduction of collagen in tissues and damages blood vessels.

Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues of the skin, joints, tendons, and internal organs such as lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, etc. Hence the severity of the disease depends on which parts of the body are affected.

Overproduction of collagen leads to hardening of the affected parts thereby hampering the normal functioning of that affected organ or part.

It is widely considered a disease of middle age from 30 to 50 years although it is seen in children as well. The disease presentation in children is quite different from those of adults.

It shows marked affinity towards females; about 75% of cases are females.