Scleroderma affects everyone differently. It can be mild in some people, and more severe in others.  Each form of scleroderma affects the body in different ways. Below, are some of the ways the disease may affect the body.
 

 
Skin changes occur in most people with scleroderma. You may notice: hardening and thickening of the skin, especially on the hands, arms, and face, ulcers on the fingers, toes, or elbows, decrease in hair over the affected area, and a change in skin color.
 

Swelling or puffiness of the hands and feet is another common symptom of scleroderma. This often is worse in the morning. You may notice: skin on fingers and toes may look and feel swollen, shiny skin, usual skin creases disappear, tight skin - maybe difficult to make a fist
and numbness and tingling in fingers.
 

Sclerodactyly means "scleroderma of the digits" (fingers and toes). It usually occurs after the initial swelling goes away. You may notice: skin on fingers and toes becomes hard and shiny, have difficulty bending fingers, and contractures in fingers.
 

 
Raynaud's phenomenon is a problem of poor blood flow to fingers and toes. Blood flow decreases because blood vessels in these areas become narrow for a short time, in response to cold or to emotional stress. Sometimes all it takes to trigger this reaction is walking into a
cold room or reaching into the refrigerator. This is an early and common symptom of  scleroderma. You may notice: fingers, toes, and sometimes the tips of the ears, nose, or or tongue, are very sensitive to cold, fingers turn white, bluish or red, tingling, numbness or a cold sensation in the fingers.
 

 
If you smoke, STOP. In addition to all the other health reasons for not smoking, smoking can trigger attacks of Raynaud's phenomenon.
 

 
Telangiectasia happens when tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin show through the skin. You may notice small reddish spots on fingers, palms, face, lips, and/or tongue.  The spots are not harmful, and can be hidden with cosmetics.
 

 
Calcinosis happens when small white calcium lumps form under the skin. This is due to  scleroderma, and is NOT caused by too much calcium in your diet. You may notice hard white lumps under the skin on fingers or other areas of the body. The lumps may break through the skin and leak a chalky white liquid.
 

 
These may also be symptoms of scleroderma. Arthritis happens when joints become painful and swollen. A contracture happens when the skin and tissues around a joint become tight and hard causing the joint to tighten into a bent position. This can happen in the hands and other parts of the body. You may notice: pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth and tenderness in
joints, general fatigue, and weak muscles, often in shoulder or hip.
 

 
Sjogren's (sho grens) syndrome is a decrease in secretions from the tear ducts, salivary glands and other areas of the body such as the vagina. This happens of scleroderma affects the glands that produce these fluids. You may notice: dry eyes and mouth, trouble speaking or swallowing food, dryness in the vagina or other areas of the body, and increase in dental
activities.
 

 
The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and bowels. Scleroderma can weaken the esophagus and the bowels. It can also cause a build-up of scar tissue in the esophagus, which narrows the tube. You may notice difficulty in swallowing, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea or constipation.
 

Scleroderma may cause the heart to slow down and, in some cases, can lead to heart failure or other problems. When the lungs are affected, they cannot function as well. You may notice shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and chest pains.
 

Scleroderma can cause high blood pressure and kidney failure. If not treated, this can be a serious problem. You may notice: headache, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, chest pains, and mental confusions.