What does scleroderma mean?
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that chiefly affects the skin and connective tissues, making the skin appear hard, tight, or thickened. In systemic cases, the disorder may also affect internal organs, including the lungs, heart, digestive system, and kidneys; localized forms primarily affect the skin and tissues beneath it. Symptoms can include tightening or loss of flexibility in the fingers, swelling, changes in skin color, and joint pain. The word is derived from Greek terms meaning “hard” and “skin,” reflecting the condition’s characteristic effect. Although “systemic sclerosis” is now the more specific medical term for the systemic form, scleroderma remains common in both professional and public discussion.
nounAn autoimmune connective-tissue disorder in which the skin becomes hard and tight, sometimes affecting internal organs and other tissues. The term is also used more broadly for a group of related conditions, including systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma.
- An autoimmune disease characterized by thickening and tightening of the skin, which may involve internal organs and other connective tissues.
- A broader term for a group of related autoimmune conditions, including systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma.
"She was diagnosed with scleroderma after her fingers began to tighten and lose flexibility."
"Scleroderma can cause the skin to become thick and difficult to move."
"The doctor explained that localized scleroderma generally affects only the skin and deeper tissues beneath it."
Scleroderma takes its name from the Greek words for “hard” and “skin,” a fitting description of one of its most visible effects.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scleroderma come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from Greek sklēros, meaning “hard,” and dérma, meaning “skin.” The same Greek root underlying the first element appears in words such as sclerosis and sclerotic, while the second element is shared with dermatology and other terms concerning the skin. Its compound formation accurately reflects the thickening and hardening that characterize the disease.
How scleroderma is actually used
The term is used in both medical and general contexts. In current clinical usage, systemic sclerosis is often preferred when referring specifically to the systemic form, while scleroderma remains widely recognized.
Easily confused with scleroderma
Systemic sclerosis is the modern clinical term for the systemic form of the disease, whereas scleroderma can also refer to localized forms.