Scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by abnormal thickening of the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, scleroderma "usually begins with a few dry patches of skin on the hands or face that begin getting thicker and harder. These patches then spread to other areas of the skin. In fact, scleroderma literally means "hard skin." Currently, there is no definitive cause for the progressive disease.

Symptoms*

• Numbness, pain or color changes in your fingers, toes, cheeks, nose and ears, often brought on by cold or emotional distress (Raynaud's phenomenon)

• Stiffness or pain in your joints and curling of your fingers

• Digestive problems ranging from poor absorption of nutrients to delayed movement of food due to impaired muscular activity in your intestine

• Sores over joints, such as your elbows and knuckles

• Puffy hands and feet, particularly in the morning

To learn more, visit the Scleroderma Foundation Web site.

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