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Scleroderma
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What Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Who Is At Risk?
Resources and Suggestions
More
Information About Scleroderma
What Is It?
Scleroderma (sclaire-row-DER-ma) is a disease that can cause thickening, hardening, or
tightening of the skin, blood vessels and internal organs. Scleroderma is chronic, which
means it can last a long time. There are two types of scleroderma:
- Localized scleroderma mainly affects the skin. There are two types of localized
scleroderma:
- Morphia (hard, oval shaped patches on the skin. The patches usually are whitish with a
purplish ring around them.)
- Linear (lines or streaks of thickened skin in areas such as the arms, legs or forehead.)
- Generalized scleroderma may affect many parts of the body. There are two types of
generalized scleroderma:
- Limited scleroderma occurs gradually and affects the skin and later may affect internal
organs, such as esophagus, lungs or intestines.
- Diffuse scleroderma develops more suddenly, with skin thickening throughout the body.
Internal organs can also be affected.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Skin changes:
- Hardening and thickening
- Ulcers or sores on fingers
- Loss of hair over affected area
- Change in skin color
- Swelling/puffiness in fingers/toes
- Skin appears shiny.
- Usually skin creases disappear.
- Difficulty making a fist
- Sclerodactyly (hardness of toes/hands)
- Raynaud's Phenomenon:
- Poor blood flow to extremities.
- Extremities are sensitive to cold caused by emotional stress.
- Telangiectasia (tiny blood vessels seen at the surface of the skin).
- Calcinosis (white calcium lumps under the skin)
- Arthritis and muscle weakness
- Sjogren's syndrome (dryness of eyes/mouth)
- Digestive problems
- Heart and lung problems
- Kidney problems
What Causes It?
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.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Physical exam, medical history and lab tests which may include biopsy and blood tests.
Treatment Options
Although there is no cure, many different drugs can help control it. Treatments may
include:
- Medications: 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.
- Skin protection to protect skin from injury.
- Stress management - common with chronic disease.
Who Is At Risk?
The disease usually affects adults between the ages of 30 and 50, and more women than
men.
More
Information About Scleroderma
Resources and Suggestions
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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