My disease was diagnosed in 1998, although my first tests were done about two years before at one of Italy’s best dermatology hospitals after some signs of the disease appeared. I think, on the basis of information that I have collected, that the onset of my disease was closely related to a long period of insomnia and stress, caused by the presence of a pain in the ribs due to osteoporosis.

At first a pearly mark about the size of a coin appeared at the centre of my back between the shoulder blades. The lesion had a reddish edge of around 5mm. Then the mark started to extend until it reached a diameter of about 7cm, with hardening and indentation of the area of involved skin. Further small marks then appeared in other areas (forearms and legs), this time dark and with a slight indentation. From various tests including histopathology of a skin biopsy, oesophageal manometry as well as lung function, only a slight respiratory failure came to light. It’s possible anyway that this finding is the result of an episode of pneumonia diagnosed when I was younger. However, no involvement at a systemic level was found. I think that the major damage has been to my eyesight, presenting as a sudden deterioration in the function of my eyes as the disease has developed.

If possible, I would like your opinion on the eventual course of the disease, and also some advice on how I should deal with my form of scleroderma. Thank you.