Many people haven’t heard of scleroderma unless they know someone who is affected by it. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and connective tissue of the body, and it is chronic. Those who have been recently diagnosed may be wondering what exactly scleroderma is and what can be done to treat it.
Prevalence of Scleroderma in America
There are about 300,000 people in the United States who are suffering from scleroderma. Women greatly outnumber men with the disease, at a rate of around four to one, according to the article, "What is Scleroderma?" on the Scleroderma Foundation’s website, Scleroderma.org. Although people of any age can be diagnosed with the condition, the most common age for diagnosis is while in the forties.
Symptoms of Scleroderma
Because there are different forms of this disease and the severity of it can vary greatly, the symptoms can as well. However, people who are diagnosed with scleroderma often have some combination of the following symptoms.
Sensitivity to cold temperatures and pain, color changes or a numbness in the fingers and the toes are common. Some people with scleroderma also suffer from acid reflux disease. Sufferers may also notice skin changes such as thick patches on skin, especially the fingers, swollen fingers and hands, and tight skin on areas like the hands and face.
Causes of Scleroderma
It is currently unknown what causes scleroderma. Although it can run in families, many people who are diagnosed have no family history of the disease, reports the Mayo Clinic in their staff article, "Scleroderma," on October 17, 2008. There may be a gene that can make certain people more susceptible to the disease, but more research is needed in this area.
Treatment of Scleroderma
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for scleroderma; however, there are some treatments available. There is a huge variability in the severity of scleroderma among individuals, and so the treatments needed also vary considerably. In some, no medication is needed. When medication is warranted, some medicines are to treat symptoms of the disease, such as medication to control heartburn. Other medications sometimes used are for the purpose of suppressing the immune system.
There are also lifestyle changes that can be helpful for individuals with scleroderma. Circulation is an issue with this disease, so getting plenty of exercise can be helpful, as well as not smoking. Avoid foods that trigger heartburn, and use a wedge or extra pillows when sleeping to elevate the head to help reflux. For those sensitive to the cold, make sure to stay wear layers to stay warm
Kathy Gleason - Kathy Gleason is a wife, mother and writer living in rural northern New Jersey. She is a graduate of The Institute for Therapeutic Massage ...
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