Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that causes connective tissue and rheumatic diseases. Patients with scleroderma will experience severe inflammation of the skin and other parts of the body, along with hardening and tightening of the skin. Certain types of Scleroderma can damage internal organs, blood vessels, and the digestive tract.
The signs and symptoms of this disease vary based on part of the body affected. The most common symptoms are:
Skin-related Symptoms: Almost all patients of scleroderma experience hardening and tightening of the affected area’s skin. Some people experience small red spots on their hands and face, known as telangiectasia. Moreover, calcium deposits can also be developed under the skin, particularly on the fingertips that cause bumps.
Digestive Issues: It can affect any part of the digestive system, from the oesophagus to the rectum. The signs and symptoms related to the digestive tract in scleroderma include:
Problems related to Heart and Lungs: When lungs and hearts are affected by scleroderma, the following signs and symptoms may occur.
Scleroderma can cause scarring in the lung tissues and an elevation in blood pressure that cause severe damage to overall health. This combined shortness of breath due to scarring and elevation is termed pulmonary hypertension due to scleroderma.
The main cause of scleroderma is the overproduction of collagen, which is responsible for making the body’s connective tissues, including the skin. Scleroderma occurs due to over-accumulation, resulting in the inflammation of the skin and other body parts.
Doctors are still researching the main cause of this overproduction, they believe the body’s immune system plays a vital role in this process.
Scleroderma is more common in women than men due to several combined factors that increase its development risks. Some of them are:
Environmental Triggers: Certain viruses, medications, or drugs can trigger this condition. Moreover, repeated exposure to harmful substances or chemicals can also increase the risk of this condition.
Genetics: Gene alterations appear to be one of the major risk factors for scleroderma. People with a family history of this condition, have a higher chance of developing it. Additionally, common types of scleroderma are more common in certain ethnic groups.
Immune System Problems: Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder causing the immune system to attack the connective tissues. People with scleroderma may also have other autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome.
Diagnosis of this condition is not easy, as it can affect many parts of the body, including the joints and digestive tract. Doctors usually discuss family history with the patient and conduct a physical examination.
In addition, a healthcare provider will order blood tests, pulmonary function tests, ECG and GIT tests. These tests will confirm the presence of scleroderma.
Don’t delay your visit to the doctor because untreated scleroderma can cause complications in fingertips, lungs, kidneys, heart and teeth. It can also severely damage joints and the digestive tract.
No medicine can stop the overproduction of collagen, but the symptoms of this disorder can be treated through different medications depending on the individual and their symptoms. Some common medications include blood vessel dilators, immune systems suppressors, antibiotics and painkillers. Severe symptoms can also be treated with occupational therapies to improve strength and mobility.
Make sure to regulate your physical activities and flexibility. Take good care of your skin, joint health, dental health and manage stress to assist in protection from this disorder.