Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an connective tissue type of disease and classified as an autoimmune disease. Any disease that is of an autoimmune nature, attacks the body's immune system. When scleroderma occurs, it means that there is a scar tissue formation which is known as fibrosis. This means that it effects tissues of the skin and body. The skin becomes very thick. When this connective tissue is diffuse, it is called systemic.

No one knows what causes this illness for sure. Genetics might play a role, but this is not for certain.

In the diffuse form of scleroderma, there is a thickening of the skin on the face, chest, flanks, and abdomen. This aggressive form goes on to make the skin hard after there has been an inflammatory period. The organ involvements usually happen early in this form and can attack the kidneys, heart, bowels, and lungs. It is not uncommon to have hypertension as well.

Limited forms of this disease are within the skin which means the fingers and face. The limited form is not as aggressive as the diffuse form. Known as the CREST form, this means the following:

Raynaud's phenomenon is where there are spasms within the arteries that supply your blood to the extremeties along with blood supply to the tongue. When Raynaud's occurs then, these parts of the body will turn from blue, over to red, and then white. This is after you have had stress, been out in the cold or intense heat.

It is not uncommon to have problems within the esophagus. This is because the muscles within the esophagus are very weakened. The esophagus will turn very wide, which permits the acids in the stomach to back up. As a result you'll have a heartburn problem, and scarring. Doctors should treat the heartburn aggressively so that the esophagus can avoid more harm.

The thickening of the skin which is surface, is known as sclerodactyly. The skin will usually appear shiny and have a swollen or puffy look about it. Since the skin is very tight, there is a limit in motions in the extremeties to a drastic degree.

Tiny red areas known as telangiectasias appear in the mouth usually, and on the face and hands. If you touch these areas, they will blanch. The areas mean dilated capillaries.

People can have a mixture of this disease, meaning overlapping forms. It is also commonplace that if a person has lupus, then this medical disorder is more common.

Symptomatology

The symptoms depend upon what form is present within the body. There is usually a lot of inflammation and swelling along with itchiness and pain. The itching and swelling can be affecting range of motion and be all through the body in many places.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made according to the symptoms which the person is displaying and by the looks of the skin. Doctors will also do a blood test in search of a certain antibody called Anti-Scl 70. This antibody is usually always found in persons with scleroderma.

Treatment

The treatment will depend upon what form of the disease is present. Doctors will treat the resulting hypertension with medications along with medications for the arteries which will help to open them.

Outlook

A person's outlook with this disease may be good as long as they monitor their health closely with their doctors, and treat any new symptoms arising from the disease. Keeping track of whether or not there is organ involvement is important as well. especially in the diffuse form of the disease.

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Scleroderma - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment  Not rated yet
Author: Juliet Cohen Scleroderma also known as systemic sclerosis. Scleroderma is an autoimmune, connective tissue disease. Scleroderma causes inflammation ...