10 Scleroderma Symptoms
Symptom #2: Finger Ulcers
When scleroderma affects the hands, it can cause painful ulcerations or open sores on the fingertips. Ulceration occurs due to poor blood flow to the fingertips, which in turn is related to the narrowing of blood vessels caused by the disease. While the ulceration does not result from infection, if untreated, it can become infected.
Digital ulcers are a common symptom that affects about 40 percent of systemic scleroderma patients and can last for several weeks or even months. The symptom is managed by medication to improve blood flow and keeping the affected areas clean and covered to prevent infection or injury.
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