Risk Factors
Research has been able to help experts identify certain facts about the risk factors associated with scleroderma, they include:
- African and Native Americans are more at risk than caucasians.
- Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are most at risk of developing scleroderma. Data suggests that approximately 80 percent of patients with scleroderma are female, and one-half develop the condition before the age of 40.
- The prognosis of the illness is worse in individuals older than 65 because they are at a higher risk of complications like pulmonary hypertension.
- Although children can develop scleroderma, it is rare and different than it is for adults.
- A family history of autoimmune connective tissue diseases, such as lupus [1], may increase the risk of developing scleroderma.
- Some environmental factors may trigger scleroderma, such as silica (a chemical compound made of silicon) and solvents.