Scleroderma - Symptoms & Treatment

Scleroderma means hard skin. It is a group of diseases that causes abnormal growth of connective tissue, the proteins that support your skin and organs. It is sometimes used, therefore, as an umbrella term for these disorders. In some forms of scleroderma, hard, tight skin is the extent of this abnormal process. In other forms, however, the problem goes much deeper, affecting blood vessels and internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. The cause of scleroderma is not known. Researchers have shown evidences that the genes are important factors, but the environment seems to also play a role. The result is activation of the immune system causing injury to tissues that result in injury similar to scar tissue formation. Inheritance plays a partial role to developing scleroderma. The disease is more frequent in females than in males.

The disease is also categorized as a rheumatologic disorder because it affects the connective tissues in the body. It's a disease of the connective tissue, i.e. characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the skin and organs of the body leading to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma is a rare disease that damages to the cells lining the walls of small arteries and an abnormal build-up of tough scar-like fibrous tissue in the skin. The name scleroderma is derived from the Greek word skleros, which means hard, and derma, which means skin. The full medical name of the condition is progressive systemic sclerosis.  This is sometimes shortened to just systemic sclerosis, as not all forms of scleroderma are progressive, or worsen over time. The most characteristic feature of scleroderma is the build-up of tough scar-like fibrous tissue in the skin.

Causes of Scleroderma

Although the cause is unknown, it is known that the body produces too much of a protein called collagen. Excess collagen is deposited causing thickening and hardening. Scleroderma appears to occur as an autoimmune response, in which a defective immune system attacks or sets conditions that damage the body itself. In scleroderma, this response produces inflammation and an overproduction of collagen, the tough fibrous protein that helps construct connective tissues. Most likely this disease process is regulated by a number of genetic defects as well as environment which plays a crucial role. Scleroderma is neither contagious nor is it passed on from one generation to the next, except in rare circumstances.

Find common causes and risk factors of Scleroderma :

• Silica dust.
• Scleroderma is most common among individuals between the ages of 20 - 50, and is relatively rare in children.
• Approximately three times more women than men develop the disease.
• Some plastic materials, such as epoxy resins and vinyl chloride.
• Rapeseed oil .
• L-tryptophan (synthetic supplement).

Signs and Symptoms of Scleroderma

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Red spots on your hands and face.
• Shortness of breath.
• Constipation .
• Weight loss .
• Skin is hard.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Diarrhea.
• Skin thickening and shiny hands and forearm.
• Pain, stiffness, and swelling of fingers and joints.

Treatment for Scleroderma

Treatment may include :

• NSAIDs/aspirin for inflammation and pain, steroids to treat muscle/joint problems, antacids to reduce heartburn, medication to control blood pressure and to increase blood flow .
• Exercise to improve overall health.
• Joint protection to reduce stress on joints.