- Scleroderma
- Signs and symptoms of scleroderma
- Systematic scleroderma or systemic sclerosis
- Scleroderma hand
- Can scleroderma affect only the hand?
- Scleroderma face
- Diagnosis of this disease
- Treatment of this disease
- Medication for this disease
- Therapies for this disease
1. Scleroderma
Scleroderma also known as systematic sclerosis Is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin. It may also cause a problem in the blood vessels, internal organs, and digestive tract.
2. Signs and Symptoms of Scleroderma
- Hard, thickening, or tight skin. This trait is what gives scleroderma its name Hair loss
- Less sweating
- Dry skin and itchy
- Skin color changes
- Salt and pepper look to the skin
- Stiff joints and difficulty moving them
- Muscle shortening and weakness
- Loss of the tissue beneath the skin
3. Systematic Scleroderma or Systemic Sclerosis
Is an autoimmune rheumatic disease Characterized by excessive production and accumulation of collagen called fibrosis in the skin and internal organs and by injuries to small arteries? There are two major subgroups of systematic sclerosis based on the extent of skin involvement:
4. Scleroderma Hand
Its complication range from mild to severe and can affect the fingertips. In systematic sclerosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon can become so severe that the restricted blood flow permanently damages the tissue at the fingertips, causing pits or fingertips may die.
5. Can Scleroderma Affect Only The Hand?
Linear scleroderma appears as a band-like thickening of the skin on the arm or legs. This type of disease is most likely to be on one side of the body but may be on both sides.
6. Scleroderma Face
Affected skin becomes lighter or darkens in color and may look shiny because of the tightness. Some people also experience small red spots called telangiectasia on their hands and face. Calcium deposits can form under the skin, particularly at the fingertips, causing bumps that can be seen on X- rays.
Some people develop 1 or 2 patches of hard thick skin. Others have widespread patches on their body. The hard, thick skin can feel anchored in place. If you have morphea the most common type of this disease the patches may not feel too hard.
7. Diagnosis of This Disease
Because it can take so many forms and affect many different areas of the body. It can be difficult to diagnose.
After a thorough physical exam, your doctor may suggest a blood test to check for elevated levels of certain antibiotics produced by the immune system.
Your doctor may also suggest other blood tests, imaging, or organ function test to help determine whether your digestive system, heart lungs, or kidney are affected.
8. Treatment of this disease
There is no treatment that can cure or stop the overproduction of collagen which is characteristic of this disease. But a variety of therapy can help control symptoms and prevent them.
9. Medication For This Disease
Because it can affect many different parts of the body, the choice of medicine will vary, depending on the symptoms. Examples include drugs that:
- Dilate blood vessels
- Suppress the immune system
- Reduce digestive symptoms
- Prevent infection
- Relieve pain
10. Therapies For This Disease
A physical or occupational therapist can help you improve your strength and mobility and maintain independence with daily tasks. Hand therapy may help to prevent hand contractures.