Scleroderma – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!
Scleroderma – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments of this chronic disease. In addition, Scleroderma is a disease classified as an autoimmune rheumatic disease. The word “scleroderma” comes from two Greek words: “sclero” means a lot, and “derma” means skin . Skin tightening is one of the most visible manifestations of the disease.
The disease has been called “progressive systemic sclerosis,” but the use of that term has been discouraged, as it has been found that scleroderma is not necessarily progressive. The disease varies from patient to patient.
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In some people, scleroderma only affects the skin . But in many people, scleroderma also damages structures beyond the skin — such as blood vessels, internal organs, and the digestive tract. Signs and symptoms vary, depending on which structures are affected.
Scleroderma affects women more often than men and occurs most often between the ages of 30 and 50. Although there is no cure for Scleroderma , a variety of treatments can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Causes of Scleroderma: The causes of Scleroderma are not known. The researchers found some evidence that certain genes are important hereditary factors, but the environment also appears to play a role.
The result is activation of the immune system in a susceptible individual, causing damage to the inner lining of small blood vessels and tissue damage that results in scar tissue formation and the accumulation of excess collagen.
The fact that genes appear to cause a predisposition to developing Scleroderma means that inheritance at least plays a partial role. It is not uncommon to find other autoimmune diseases in families of Scleroderma patients .
Some evidence for the role that genes may play in leading to the development of scleroderma comes from the study of Choctaw Native Americans who are the group with the highest reported prevalence of the disease. The condition is more common in women than in men.
Symptoms of Scleroderma: Some types of Scleroderma affect only the skin , but others affect the entire body.
Localized Scleroderma: This type of the disease usually affects only the skin of the hands and face. It develops slowly and rarely spreads through the body or causes serious complications.
Systemic Scleroderma: Also called Systemic Sclerosis, this type of Scleroderma can affect large areas of the skin or organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. There are two main types of systemic scleroderma : limited disease (CREST syndrome) and diffuse disease.
Symptoms of Scleroderma on the Skin Can Include:
- Fingers or toes that turn bluish or white in reaction to high and cold temperatures
- hair loss
- skin stiffness
- Abnormally fair or dark skin
- Thickening of the skin , stiffness and hardening of the fingers, hands and forearm
- Small white lumps beneath the skin that sometimes release a white substance
- Sores (ulcers) on the tips of the fingers or toes
- Tight and tight facial skin
Respiratory Problems Can Result from Scarring of the Lungs and Can Also Include:
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breathe
- wheezing
Symptoms in Bones and Muscles May Include:
- joint pain
- Numbness and pain in the feet
- Pain, stiffness, and swelling in fingers and joints
- wrist pain
Digestive tract problems can include:
- Swelling after meals
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Esophageal reflux or heartburn
- Problems controlling stool (fecal incontinence)
Scleroderma Treatments: Treatment varies depending on the specific characteristics of the type of Scleroderma . As a rule, it is aimed at controlling inflammation, relieving symptoms and delaying the progression of the disease. In some cases, the following drugs are indicated: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), penicillamine, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants such as methotrexate.
However, there are cases where the known medication does not demonstrate efficacy and is not used. Physiotherapy and topical use of skin care products are important therapeutic resources.
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Note: Seek medical assistance for diagnosis if you notice skin changes that could be attributed to Scleroderma .