Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

C
Calcinosis (the formation of tiny
deposits of calcium in the skin)
•
R
Raynaud phenomenon (spasms of
the tiny arteries that supply blood to the
fingers, toes, nose, tongue, or ears)
•
E
Esophagus (esophageal involvement
by the scleroderma)
•
S
Sclerodactyly (localized thickening
and tightness of the skin of the fingers or
toes)
•
T
Telangiectasias (dilated capillaries
that form tiny red areas, frequently on the
face, on the hands, and in the mouth,
behind the lips)
The cause of scleroderma is unknown. There is
some evidence that genes play at least a partial role
in causing the disease. The immune system plays a
central role in the disease process. It is not unusual
to find other autoimmune diseases in families of
scleroderma patients. The treatment of scleroderma
is directed toward the particular organ system that
is causing symptoms. The disease occurs more fre-
quently in females than in males.
sclerosing cholangitis
See 
primary sclerosing
cholangitis.
sclerosing panencephalitis, subacute
See
subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
sclerosis
Localized hardening of skin. Sclerosis
is generally caused by underlying diseases, such as
diabetes and scleroderma. Treatment is directed
toward the cause.
sclerosis, multiple
See 
multiple sclerosis.
sclerotherapy
The injection of a chemical irri-
tant into a vein to sclerose (“harden”) it. The chem-
ical irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell
and the blood to clot. The vein turns into scar tissue
that fades from view. Blood flow shifts to nearby
healthy blood vessels. Sclerotherapy may be done to
treat varicose veins, spider veins, hemorrhoids, and
esophageal varices.
scoliosis
Lateral (sideways) curving of the spine.
The degree of scoliosis may range from mild to
severe. Of every 1,000 children, 3 to 5 develop
spinal curvature that is considered severe enough to
need treatment. Adolescent idiopathic (of unknown
cause) scoliosis is the most common type and
appears after the age of 10, commonly in teens.
Girls are more likely than boys to have this type of
scoliosis. Scoliosis can run in families, so a child
who has a parent, brother, or sister with idiopathic
scoliosis should be checked regularly for this con-
dition. Severe scoliosis may require treatment that
includes bracing, casting, surgical correction,
and/or physical therapy.