Scleroderma Awareness
Scleroderma
Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh) is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
Scleroderma affects women more often than men and most commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. While there is no cure for scleroderma, a variety of treatments can ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
There are many different types of scleroderma. In some people, scleroderma affects only the skin. But in many people, scleroderma also harms structures beyond the skin, such as blood vessels, internal organs and the digestive tract (systemic scleroderma). Signs and symptoms vary, depending on which type of scleroderma you have and which parts of your body are affected.
Skin
Teeth
Fingers or toes
Digestive system
Heart, lungs or kidneys
Sexual function
Men who have scleroderma may experience erectile dysfunction. Scleroderma may also affect the sexual function of women by decreasing sexual lubrication and constricting the vaginal opening.
Scleroderma complications range from mild to severe, if left untreated, can become life-threatening.
Risk factors
Anyone can get scleroderma, but it does occur much more often in women than in men. Several combined factors appear to influence the risk of developing scleroderma:
Genetics
People who have certain gene variations appear to be more likely to develop scleroderma. It may explain why a small number of scleroderma cases appear to run in families and why certain types of scleroderma are more common for certain ethnic groups.
Environmental triggers
may be triggered by exposure to certain viruses, medications or drugs. Repeated exposure — such as at work — to certain harmful substances or chemicals also may increase the risk of scleroderma.
Immune system problems
the body’s immune system begins to attack the connective tissues. In some cases a person who has scleroderma also has symptoms of another autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome.
Diagnosis
Because scleroderma can take so many forms and affect so many different areas of the body, it can be difficult to diagnose.
Your doctor may also suggest other blood tests and imaging or organ-function tests to help determine whether your digestive system, heart or lungs are affected.
Treatment
In some cases, the skin problems associated with scleroderma fade away on their own in two to five years. The type of scleroderma that affects internal organs usually worsens with time.
There is no medication that can cure or stop the overproduction of collagen that is characteristic of scleroderma. But a variety of medications and Physical or occupational therapies can help control scleroderma symptoms and prevent complications. Surgery is used as a last resort. Treatments aim at managing various symptoms associated with the condition. In some cases, the skin problems associated with scleroderma may resolve on their own in few years.
Tips
Exercise regularly to keep your body flexible.
Avoid foods that may trigger or cause heartburn or reflux.
Keep yourself warm.
Seek professional support to manage your emotions.
Stay connected with your family.
Quit smoking and alcohol, also avoid excessive sunlight.
Copyright and Fair Use
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