What Causes Scleroderma?
Some people are born with a heightened genetic susceptibility, but other factors, including environmental ones, appear to play a part in development of the disease. Since women are four times more likely to contract scleroderma, gender obviously has a role. Scleroderma in men sometimes can be traced to particular environmental triggers: for example, exposure to silica dust. Exposure to solvent mixtures used in paint thinners and removers has been reported to increase the risk of scleroderma in women.
