Synonyms: Systemic scleroderma
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a generalized disorder of small arteries microvessels and connective tissue characterized by fibrosis and vascular obliteration in the skin and organs particularly the lungs heart and digestive tract. There are two main subsets of SSc: diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) (see these terms). A third subset of SSc has also been observed called limited Systemic Sclerosis (lSSc) or systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma (see these terms).
Data from Orphanet are used to provide information on a disease's name, synonym(s), and overview. Reference: Access aggregated data from Orphanet at Orphadata. Orphadata: Free access data from Orphanet. © INSERM 1999. Available on http://www.orphadata.org. Data version February 2026
Newly diagnosed with
Systemic sclerosis?
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Advocacy Organizations
Ann Steffens Scleroderma Research Foundation, Inc.
- Support and promote research toward treatment and cure of scleroderma, Degos disease, and other related disorders - Promote awareness and understanding of these disorders, especially among health-care professionals - Encourage collaborative efforts, nationally and internationally, aimed at realizing these goals
Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation
CCF's mission is to accelerate the search for causes and cures for pediatric cardiomyopathy through increased research, education, awareness, advocacy, and support to affected children and their families.
Heart of a Giant Foundation
The mission of the HGF is to achieve better health outcomes for heart diseases and related chronic health conditions in our communities and enhance the quality of life through health education, care support, and connection to community resources.
HeartCharged
Ending preventable deaths from undiagnosed heart conditions and sudden cardiac arrest, especially in young people, and providing patient-to-patient support.
National Scleroderma Foundation
Our mission is to advance medical research, promote disease awareness, and provide support and education to people with scleroderma, their families and support network.
Project Clio
To improve our understanding of rare and understudied autoimmune conditions
Project Scleroderma
To raise awareness for Scleroderma by way of documentary films/videos, educating and inspiring support of research.
Scleroderma Canada
Vision: Improved quality of life for scleroderma patients and their families through education, support, research and increased public awareness. Mission: The Scleroderma Society of Ontario is committed to promoting increased public awareness, advancing patient wellness and supporting research in scleroderma.
Scleroderma Foundation of California
We want all scleroderma patients to receive an accurate and timely diagnosis, and access to care and support for those who require it, until we find a cure. Our mission is to EMPOWER the scleroderma community to live BETTER lives through programs dedicated to SUPPORT, EDUCATION, and RESEARCH
Scleroderma Research Foundation
The mission of the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) is to fund and facilitate the most promising, highest quality research aimed at improved therapies and, ultimately, a cure for scleroderma.
UNITED FOR SCLERODERMA Foundation
To assist the newly diagnosed Scleroderma patients
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Clinical Trials
For a list of clinical trials in this disease area, please click here.