Scleroderma: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a term that refers to a group of rare diseases that cause hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissue.

In some people, this condition affects only the skin and connective tissue. However, in some cases, this condition can also affect structures and tissues other than the skin, such as blood vessels, internal organs, and your digestive tract.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease. This means, the immune system of a person with this disease turns to attack the tissues in the body itself. Under normal conditions, the immune system protects the body from bacterial and viral infections.

The severity of this disease varies with each sufferer. A number of people feel mild symptoms, but not a few also complain of symptoms that are quite severe. In fact, in some cases, this disease threatens the life of the sufferer.

Until now, no treatment has been found that can cure this disease completely. However, with certain treatment, the symptoms you experience can be overcome and the risk of organ damage can be reduced.

How common is scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a fairly common disease, although the incidence varies from country to country. However, it is reported that this disease occurs mostly in dark skinned people.

In addition, this disease is 4 to 9 times more common in female patients than in men, although the exact cause is not known. The incidence of this disease is highest in people aged between 30 and 50 years. In children and the elderly over 50 years, the incidence of this disease is quite low.

Although incurable, this disease can be managed and controlled by recognizing the risk factors that exist. To find out more information about this disease, you can consult a doctor.

Type

What are the types of scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a disease that can be divided into 2 types, namely local and systemic. Systemic types can be further divided into two subtypes, namely scattered (diffuse) and limited (limited).

1. Local scleroderma

This type is the most common. In this condition, the sufferer only experiences structural changes in some parts of the skin. Generally, the skin will have a sticky or blotchy texture.

This condition will not harm the main organs of the body and may improve or go away on its own without special treatment. However, some sufferers experience serious symptoms and have permanent scars on the skin.

2. Systemic scleroderma

In this type, the disease does not only affect the skin, but also other organs of the body. This condition can be divided into 2 subtypes:

• Diffuse

This type of scleroderma affects many parts of the body, such as the digestive system, respiratory system, and even has the potential to cause kidney failure. This condition can usually be life threatening and requires serious handling.

• Limited

This condition is also known as CREST syndrome, where each letter refers to the name of a specific disease:

Calcinosis (abnormal calcium buildup on the skin)

Raynaud's phenomenon (reduced blood flow to some parts of the body)

Esophageal dysmotility (difficulty swallowing)

Sclerodactyly (skin tightens on the finger)

Telangectasia (reddish patches on the skin)

Signs & symptoms

What are the symptoms of scleroderma?

The signs and symptoms of scleroderma vary from person to person. However, this disease generally affects almost all parts of the body, depending on its severity. The parts of the body that are usually affected are the skin, blood vessels, digestive system, throat, nose and nervous system.

1. Skin

The skin of a person with this disease will show the following symptoms:

• The skin becomes firmer
• Swollen skin in several parts (edema phase)
• Hardening of several parts of the skin, especially the knuckles
• The skin on the face becomes tighter
• Skin discoloration in the form of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation
• Pruritus

2. Blood vessels

The symptoms that appear when this disease affects the blood vessels related to Raynaud's phenomenon are as follows:

• Ulcers on the tips of the fingers
• Ulcers that get worse and sometimes require amputation
• A sore appeared with pus
• Symptoms of myocardial infarction occur

3. Digestive system

If this disease affects the body's digestive system, signs and symptoms that appear include:

• Gastric acid reflux
• Bloated
• Incontinence
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Malnutrition
• Iron deficiency, resulting in anemia

4. Breathing

This disease can also cause breathing problems such as:

• Progressive dyspnea
• Chest pain due to pulmonary artery hypertension
• Dry cough

5. Muscles and bones

The symptoms that appear in this disease, especially systemic scleroderma are:

• Muscle ache
• The joints feel stiff
• Symptoms appear carpal tunnel syndrome
• Weakened muscles

6. Heart

You may also feel the following signs if your heart is affected by this disease:

• Dyspnea due to myocardial fibrosis or congestive heart failure
• Palpitations, fast heart rate
• Arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat rhythm

Other symptoms that may arise are

• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Kidney crisis
• Erectile dysfunction
• Vaginal fibrosis
• Headache
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss drastically

There may still be a number of symptoms not listed above. If you have questions about symptoms, consult your doctor.

When to go to the doctor

If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult your doctor.

Each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. To get the most appropriate treatment and according to your health condition, make sure you always have your symptoms checked by the doctor or the nearest health service center.

Cause

What causes scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a disease for which there is no known exact cause. However, some experts believe that this condition occurs due to a combination of several factors, such as problems with the immune system, environmental conditions, and heredity.

This disease occurs due to excessive production and accumulation of collagen in body tissues. Collagen is a fibrous protein network that produces connective tissues in the human body, including the skin.

Environmental factors that are believed to influence the emergence of this disease include:

• Silica exposure
• Exposure to solvents, such as vinyl chloride, trichlorethylene, epoxy resin, benzene, carbon tetrachloride
• Exposure to radiation or radiotherapy

Risk factors

What are the factors that can increase a person's risk for scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age group and racial group. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for suffering from this disease.

You need to know that having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely suffer from a disease. It is possible that you can suffer from certain diseases without any risk factors in yourself.

The risk factors for scleroderma are:

1. Age

Although this disease can occur in individuals of any age, its incidence is mostly found in patients aged 30-50 years.

2. Gender

If you are female, your chances of suffering from this disease are 4-9 times greater than that of men.

3. Problems with the body's immune system

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease. In 15 to 20 percent of cases, sufferers also have other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjo¨gren's syndrome.

4. Heredity

Some people who are born with genetic disorders tend to be more susceptible to this disease. This explains why some cases of this disease are hereditary and only found in certain ethnicities.

5. Environment

In some sufferers, the symptoms that appear may be triggered by exposure to viruses, drugs, or hazardous substances in the work environment.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information described is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do doctors diagnose scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that can take many forms. In addition, this condition affects many different areas of the body at the same time. This causes the disease to be sometimes difficult to diagnose.

In diagnosing, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination. You will be asked about your medical history, family history of illnesses, and any symptoms you are experiencing.

After that, your doctor may order a blood test. The results of this test can show an increase in blood levels of certain antibodies produced by the immune system.

In addition, your doctor may also take a tissue sample from your body (biopsy). This sample will be examined in a laboratory to detect any abnormalities.

The doctor may also order breathing tests (lung function tests), CT scans of the lungs, echocardiogram, and electrocardiogram of the heart.

How to treat scleroderma

There is no treatment for scleroderma, but you can manage the symptoms. Your doctor will focus on helping you do this by:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin). They can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Steroids and other drugs to control the immune response. This medication can help reduce muscle, joint, or internal organ problems.
• Medicines that increase blood flow to the fingers
• Blood pressure medication
• Medicines that open blood vessels in the lungs or prevent tissue from leaving scars
• Heartburn medication

Other things that might help are:

• Exercise to improve body health
• Skin care, including light and laser therapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Handling stress
• If there is severe organ damage, an organ transplant

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that help with scleroderma?

Some steps that can help you deal with scleroderma symptoms are:

1. Routine physical activity

Regular physical activity, such as exercise, can keep the body flexible, increase blood circulation, and relieve muscle and joint stiffness. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes a day.

2. Avoid smoking

Nicotine causes blood vessels to contract, worsening Raynaud's syndrome. Smoking can also cause permanent constriction of blood vessels. If quitting smoking is difficult for you, ask your doctor for help.

3. Live a healthy diet

Avoid foods that cause heartburn or gas, and eat late at night. Raise your head on the bed to keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus (stomach acid reflux) while you sleep. Antacids may help reduce symptoms.

4. Protect yourself from cold air

To prevent the symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome, you can protect yourself from the cold by wearing warm gloves. Make sure you cover your face and head as well, and wear several layers of warm clothing.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide health advice, diagnosis or treatment.