Scleroderma is a word derived from the Greek language from the two words "sclerosis" which means hardness and "derma" which means skin, so Scleroderma literally means hardness of skin. Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Scleroderma is a disease most people do not know about. I personally have had a lot of knowledge of this disease. My great aunt died of scleroderma …showed first 75 words of 1324 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1324 total…a survey that included all scleroderma-related disorders, including Raynaud's phenomenon, suggested a number between 250,000 and 992,500. For some people, scleroderma (particularly the localized forms) is fairly mild and resolves with time. But for others, living with the disease and its effects day to day has a significant impact on their quality of life. Sources: www.scleroderma.org/ www.srfcure.org/sclerod/ www.medicinenet.com/scleroderma/article.htm www.mayoclinic.com/health/scleroderma/DS00362 www.sclero.org/