Scleroderma is also known as systemic sclerosis. It is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease of connective tissues. In this disease, a protein, collagen, is formed in the excessive amount in the extracellular spaces between the connective tissues. This results in the thickening and tightening of the skin. Therefore, the most common sign of the disease is the hardening of the skin. Blood vessels may become thickened and function improperly that further leads to high blood pressure and tissue damage. Scar formation on the lungs and kidneys can also be observed. Read More