Systemic sclerosis is a rare and complex disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs. This condition is often referred to as systemic scleroderma or simply scleroderma. Synonyms for systemic sclerosis include diffuse scleroderma, limited scleroderma, CREST syndrome, and progressive systemic sclerosis. Each of these synonyms describes a specific subtype of the disease that affects a particular region of the body, such as skin, blood vessels, or internal organs. Despite their different names, all of these subtypes share common symptoms, including thickening and hardening of the skin, joint pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment for systemic sclerosis usually involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and prevent complications.