Our Approach to Scleroderma Care

We want to help you enjoy a better quality of life and live comfortably with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), a rare autoimmune disease that causes hardening and thickening of the skin, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and other organs.

With our experience in diagnosing and treating scleroderma we can:

• Help you understand scleroderma and how it may affect you.
• Guide you through tests to screen for and diagnose scleroderma.
• Provide care to help you manage symptoms.
• Offer treatment options not yet widely available.
• Give you insight on clinical trials and research.

To schedule a visit with us, please call 312.695.8628.

Scleroderma can affect more than one organ. That’s why we work together with clinicians from different specialties including:

• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Gastroenterology
• Nephrology
• Plastic Surgery
• Pulmonology
• Rheumatology

Our team approach helps make sure you get comprehensive care.

Care You Can Trust

The Northwestern Medicine Scleroderma Program is one of only a few in U.S. that specialize in diagnosing and treating scleroderma.

The Northwestern Medicine Scleroderma Program is a designated Scleroderma Research and Treatment Center by the National Scleroderma Foundation.

At your first visit, we will talk with you to better understand your medical history and symptoms. Our team will:

• Review your medical history.
• Complete a physical exam.
• Complete any lab tests or imaging you need.
• Discuss next steps, including treatment options and managing your symptoms.
• Help you understand your care and condition.
• Ask you if you want to participate in research for scleroderma. This is optional, and we will explain what that would involve.

After your first visit, we may recommend that you:

• Get checked for heart, lung and digestive issues that scleroderma can cause.
• Start physical and occupational therapy to maintain your mobility.

We conduct research on scleroderma to learn more about it. This helps our team provide better care and develop new treatments.

Learn more about our research and view studies you may be able to enroll in.