IL1A and systemic sclerosis: Previous studies have shown that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and fibroblasts from SSc patients produce more IL‐1α compared to those from healthy controls (HC).11, 12, 13 Moreover, carriers of the IL‐1α (‐889) polymorphism, which predisposes patients to increased IL‐1α production, are more susceptible to SSc.14 To date, two small studies have shown significant elevation of serum IL‐1α in SSc patients compared to HC.15, 16 One of these studies analysed associations between IL‐1α and clinical SSc phenotypes, reporting an association with finger contractures.16