Childhood Sclerodermas & Morphea

There are two main types of scleroderma:

• Localized scleroderma. This type of scleroderma includes morphea or linear; it primarily affects the skin.
• Systemic scleroderma. This type of scleroderma can affect many systems throughout the body.

The main symptoms of localized scleroderma include:

• Swelling of the skin or fingers
• Change in the color of the skin, especially when there is a change in air temperature
• Thickening or scar-like changes in the skin
• Tightness in the joints that can prevent normal movement of the arms, legs, hands and feet
• Loss of hair and sweat glands in the affected areas over time

Along with the skin-related symptoms above, symptoms of systemic scleroderma also include:

• Difficulty swallowing or food getting caught in the throat
• Gastroesophageal reflux

Rarely, systemic scleroderma can also affect proper function of the lungs, heart or kidneys, which can be life-threatening.

Diagnosis of Childhood Sclerodermas & Morphea

To diagnose scleroderma, your child's rheumatologist will conduct a comprehensive physical exam to check for the associated symptoms. The doctor may also recommend one or more of the following tests to help make a clear diagnosis:

• Blood test. Your child’s doctor may conduct a blood test to check for elevated levels of specific antibodies produced by the immune system.
• Biopsy. Your child’s doctor may examine a small tissue sample of the affected area under a microscope.
• Pulmonary function test. Your child’s doctor may perform breathing tests to check the function of your child's lungs, which can be affected by the condition.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan. Your child’s doctor may run this type of scan to analyze areas of the body that may be affected by scleroderma.
• Echocardiogram (EKG). Your child’s doctor may order an EKG, which checks the function of your child’s heart.

If your child is diagnosed with scleroderma, it is important to closely follow the treatment plan of the pediatric rheumatologist.