Symptoms

• The symptoms of scleroderma vary depending on which organ systems have been affected, says the Mayo Clinic. The most common signs of scleroderma include skin changes, acid reflux disease and Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes constriction of the blood vessels.
  
  

Causes

• Scleroderma develops as a result of overproduction of collagen, a type of protein found in the connective tissues of the body, reports the Mayo Clinic. Medical professionals speculate that this abnormal production is caused by an immune system defect.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Certain factors increase the risk of developing scleroderma, says the Mayo Clinic. Native Americans and African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with scleroderma, and women are nearly four times more at risk than men.
  
  

Complications

• The Mayo Clinic cautions that scleroderma can cause certain complications and can affect the lungs, kidneys and heart. Additionally, scleroderma can cause erectile dysfunction in men.
  
  

Treatment

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no cure for scleroderma. Doctors may prescribe medications that dilate the blood vessels or suppress the immune system to help treat the symptoms of scleroderma and reduce the chances of other complications.