Scleroderma
Autoimmune Disorder
What is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of scar-like tissue in the skin. It also damages the cells the line the walls of the small arteries.
Signs and Symptoms
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Red spots on the skin
- Excessive calcium deposition in the skin
- Joint contractures
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Tight, mask-like facial skin
- Ulcerations on the fingertips and toes
- Pain and stiffness in the joints
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Digestive and gastrointestinal problems
- Constipation
- Fatigue
Pathogenesis
The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown. Although rarely scleroderma can run in families, most cases do not show any family history of the disease.
Diagnosis
- Blood tests
- Pulmonary function tests
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Gastrointestinal tests
- Kidney funtion
Management
There is currently no cure for scleroderma. Instead, treatment is directed at controlling and managing the symptoms.
- Skin treatments
- Digestive remedies
- Treatment of lung disease
- Exercise
- Joint protection
- Skin protection
- Diet
- Dental care
- Stress Management
Prognosis
Localized scleroderma nearly always carries a good prognosis and a normal lifespan. Even localized scleroderma, however, can cause some severe effects in children, including impaired growth, limb imbalance, and problems with flexing and beding muscle. Five-year survival among these patients has remained steady at around 90%.
Epidemiology
Approximately 250 persons per million American adults are affected by scleroderma. It usually develops between the ages of 35 and 55, although a pediatric form also occurs. Scleroderma is four times more common in women than it is in men.