Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis

Dilated nailbed capillaries usually disappear as the capillaries atrophy from diminished blood flow. The capillary patterns in systemic sclerosis at nail folds can help to stage a patient as active, early, or late phase and may correlate with organ damage and prognosis. Although contractures are not reversible, tendon friction rubs often disappear over time (although they are rare in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis). Telangiectasia and calcinosis often increase over time, and in general, symptoms for severe dysphagia are not reversible. GORD can be controlled with lifestyle change, bed blocks, and medications. Digital ulcer complications are likely to recur (e.g., ulcers, amputations, digital pits, loss of distal finger pulp). Worsening skin involvement is associated with higher risk of internal organ involvement.