Scleroderma
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a rare autoimmune disease where the immune system triggers abnormal collagen build-up, causing skin thickening and sometimes affecting internal organs such as the lungs, heart, and digestive tract.
Overview
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a rare autoimmune disease where the immune system triggers abnormal collagen build-up, causing skin thickening and sometimes affecting internal organs such as the lungs, heart, and digestive tract. Around 1 in 10,000 Australians is affected, most often women aged 30–50 (Scleroderma Australia, 2023).
Common Misunderstandings
Many assume scleroderma only affects the skin — but internal organ involvement can be serious. Gastrointestinal symptoms are often overlooked, yet they affect up to 90% of patients. Delays in diagnosis are common, leading to frustration.
How is Scleroderma Linked to Your Microbiome?
- Multiple studies report gut dysbiosis in scleroderma, with reduced diversity and fewer beneficial SCFA-producing bacteria (Volkmann et al., 2017).
- Dysbiosis is associated with worse GI symptoms (bloating, diarrhoea, constipation) and may be linked to systemic inflammation (Patel et al., 2021).
- Some evidence suggests oral microbiome changes in scleroderma, possibly influencing autoimmunity (Mandl et al., 2020).
Been diagnosed with Scleroderma?
