Systemic Sclerosis: An Autoimmune DiseaseAbout This Hardback Systemic sclerosis or systemic scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. The condition is characterized by the thickening of the skin due to a deposition of collagen and injuries to small arteries. Systemic sclerosis is of two types localized and systemic. The localized condition affects the skin of the hands, feet and the face, while the systemic condition involves the heart, lungs, kidneys and