What is the difference between limited and diffuse scleroderma?

Skin involvement: The differene is the extent of the skin involvement. In the limited scleroderma the skin involvement is restricted to the hands, and to a lesser degree, the neck and face. Patients with diffuse scleroderma has extensive skin sclerosis and high risk for internal organs involvement like affecting the kidneys, heart, and lung.

Limited & diffuse: Limited systemic sclerosis/scleroderma involves cutaneous manifestations that mainly affect the hands, arms, and face.Diffuse systemic sclerosis/scleroderma is rapidly progressing and affects a large area of the skin and one or more internal organs, frequently the kidneys, esophagus, heart, and lungs. This form of scleroderma can be quite disabling.