Scleroderma is a progressive autoimmune disease which affects the connective tissues in the body. Connective tissue contains collagen, a tough molecule that gives strength to most tissues in the body. In scleroderma, the body over produces collagen, causing the body’s tissues to become TOO tough. This causes the characteristic skin tightening around the mouth and in the fingers, but also causes tightening in other, internal body tissues. The esophagus and GI tract can become less flexible, causing digestion to become a problem. The kidneys can fail as their blood flow is compromised. Most dangerously, the lungs can become stiff causing problems with the ability of the body to obtain oxygen, or causing problems with the heart as it beats against the stiff lungs.