Prognosis

At this time there is no cure for scleroderma and no treatment to alter its course, but outlook varies widely and many patients, even many with systemic scleroderma, can expect a normal lifespan.

General Outlook of Localized Scleroderma. Localized scleroderma nearly always carries a good prognosis and a normal life span. Even localized scleroderma, however, can cause some severe effects in children, including impaired growth, limb imbalance, and problems in flexing and bending muscles.

Text Continues Below

---

General Outlook of Systemic Scleroderma

• Limited Scleroderma. Patients with limited CREST scleroderma can usually expect a favorable outlook and normal lifespan if the disease affects only the hands and face. The course of this variant still tends to be slowly progressive and, in some cases, may affect internal organs.
• Diffuse Scleroderma. The severity of diffuse scleroderma varies widely, and it is very difficult to predict its course. It generally follows one of two paths: If it is acute or rapidly progressing it may be a life-threatening condition that affects internal organs. The most critical period for rapid progression is usually within the first two to five years of onset. In the absence of such events or if the patient survives the initial acute progression, the disease tends to progress very slowly. It then follows a very slow course. The more severe the condition of the skin at the outset of the disease, the poorer the survival rates.