Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune condition that causes the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissue underneath it. The condition can also impact underlying blood vessels and organs. Affected individuals may exhibit Raynaud’s phenomenon - a condition where the fingers and toes may become numb and cool and turn white or blue in color as a response to cold temperatures or other stressors. Patients may notice gradual hardening and tightening of the skin that first begins on the fingers, hands, feet, and face resulting in the hands taking on a claw-like appearance. Additional skin findings may include sores on the fingertips, calcium deposits beneath the skin (hard, painful lumps in the skin), and small broken blood vessels known as telangiectasias on the face and hands. The condition can also affect the digestive system, heart, lungs, kidneys, and/or the joints, manifesting with various symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, abnormal heartbeats, heart failure, shortness of breath, kidney failure, and/or restricted movement and mobility. While no cure exists for scleroderma, various medications are available to help treat symptoms and prevent further complications.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither Plymouth Dermatology Associates, PC, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (508) 746-5300.

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

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Testimonials

  • "I just want to take a moment and say thank you to Dr. Yu and his staff. From the first person greeting me with a warm hello, to Dr. Yu with his expertise and light fingers, to the assistant, to the one sending me off with clear instructions on caring for my incision. All professional, caring, knowledgeable and kind. A very warm Thank You To All"
    Annie
  • "It's been a very positive experience working with Dr. Yu. He and his staff have been very supportive in navigating me through my treatments. I feel like he and his team are fully vested in my recovery and that I am not just a number. It is a blessing to not have to go to a big city hospital. Not having that added stress really makes the whole experience so much more tolerable. I would surely recommend Plymouth Dermatology Associates to family and friends."
    Kathleen W.
  • "I am very pleased with the service I received from Dr. Gadenne, a dermatologist who performed a thorough and comprehensive Total Body Skin Examination (TBSE) on me. She was very professional, courteous, and attentive to my concerns and questions. She explained the procedure clearly and made me feel comfortable throughout the process. She also gave me helpful advice on how to protect my skin from sun damage and other potential risks. I highly recommend Dr. Gadenne to anyone who needs a TBSE or Pl"
    Leroy K.