Scleroderma is a rare disease.  It affects women two to three times more often than men, and adults more than children.  It is sometimes seen in children and the elderly.  Most are diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 55.

This disease is found in all countries and ethnic groups.  African american women are more likely than white women to develope a severe and life threatening form of scleroderma.  It afflicts about 500,000 americans.  

There are 10 - 20 new cases per million people each year.  Scleroderma is far more prevalent than muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis. Scleroderma has a 60 to 70 percent survival rate.