​What causes Scleroderma is currently unknown. Some unknown factor triggers an overproduction of collagen (a type of protein that is the main component of the connective tissue) resulting in thickened and hardened skin and internal organs.

Scleroderma is not contagious, so you cannot "catch it" or "give it" to someone else. In most cases, Scleroderma does not run in the family i.e. it is not hereditary, and patients do not "pass on" Scleroderma to their children. An environmental trigger in a person who is at risk may result in the disease manifesting.