"The term is from the Greek skleros meaning 'hard' and derma meaning 'skin'."
A rare autoimmune disease affecting the connective tissue resulting in thickening and hardening of the skin and internal organs.
Definition of Scleroderma: A rare autoimmune disease that causes the skin and internal organs to harden and thicken over time.
Types of Scleroderma: There are two main types of scleroderma: localized scleroderma and systemic scleroderma.
Causes of Scleroderma: The exact cause of scleroderma is not known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms of Scleroderma: The symptoms of scleroderma vary depending on the type of scleroderma and the severity of the disease.
Diagnosis of Scleroderma: There is no single test that can diagnose scleroderma, and diagnosis often involves a combination of physical exams, lab tests, and imaging studies.
Treatment of Scleroderma: There is no cure for scleroderma, but treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
Medications for Scleroderma: There are several different medications that may be used to treat scleroderma, including immunosuppressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications that dilate blood vessels.
Lifestyle Changes for Scleroderma: In addition to medication, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise may help manage symptoms of scleroderma.
Complications of Scleroderma: Scleroderma can lead to a range of complications, including pulmonary hypertension, kidney failure, and digestive problems.
Support for Scleroderma Patients: Support groups and other resources can help scleroderma patients manage the physical and emotional toll of the disease.
Localized Scleroderma: This type of scleroderma is limited to the skin and underlying tissues. There are two forms of localized scleroderma:.
Systemic Scleroderma: This type of scleroderma affects the entire body, including internal organs. There are two main forms of systemic scleroderma:.
"Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that may result in changes to the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs."
"Symptoms may include areas of thickened skin, stiffness, feeling tired, and poor blood flow to the fingers or toes with cold exposure."
"One form of the condition, known as CREST syndrome, classically results in calcium deposits, Raynaud's syndrome, esophageal problems, thickening of the skin of the fingers and toes, and areas of small, dilated blood vessels."
"Risk factors include family history, certain genetic factors, and exposure to silica."
"The cause is unknown, but it may be due to an abnormal immune response."
"The underlying mechanism involves the abnormal growth of connective tissue, which is believed to be the result of the immune system attacking healthy tissues."
"Diagnosis is based on symptoms, supported by a skin biopsy or blood tests."
"While no cure is known, treatment may improve symptoms."
"Medications used include corticosteroids, methotrexate, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)."
"Outcome depends on the extent of the disease."
"Those with localized disease generally have a normal life expectancy."
"Death is often due to lung, gastrointestinal, or heart complications."
"About three per 100,000 people per year develop the systemic form."
"The condition most often begins in middle age."
"Women are more often affected than men."
"Scleroderma symptoms were first described in 1753 by Carlo Curzio."
"Scleroderma symptoms were then well documented in 1842."
"The term is from the Greek skleros meaning 'hard' and derma meaning 'skin'."
"Symptoms may include... poor blood flow to the fingers or toes with cold exposure."