Scleroderma

**Semantic type:** Disease or Syndrome

**Definition:** A localized or systemic chronic and progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by thickening of the skin and the connective tissues. Localized scleroderma affects only the skin. Systemic scleroderma affects internal organs, including the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys.

**Synonyms:** - scleroderma