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Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a widespread disease of connective tissues, manifested by changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles and internal organs.

Alternative Terms

CREST syndrome, Progressive systemic sclerosis, Systemic sclerosis, Localized scleroderma.

Causes, Incidence, And Risk Factors

The cause of scleroderma is unknown. People suffering from this disease present a high concentration of a substance called collagen in the skin and other organs. This concentration leads to the symptoms associated with the disease.
The disease usually affects people 30 to 50 years old. Women get scleroderma more often than men. The risk factors included in the report, due to profession, to silica dust and polyvinyl chloride.

The Skin Symptoms Include:
  • Fall Hair
  • Harden The Skin
  • Appear Small White Nodules Under The Skin
  • The Skin Is Abnormally Dark Or Light
  • The Skin Of The Face Is Rigid And Reminds Me Of Mask
  • The Skin Thickens And Shiny In The Hands And Forearms
  • Developed Ulcers On The Fingertips Or Toes
  • The Fingers And Toes Turn White, Turn Blue Or Blush In Heat And Cold (Raynaud's Phenomenon)
The Symptoms Of Bone And Muscle Are Included:
  • Pain In The Joints
  • Pain In The Wrists
  • Numbness And Pain In The Legs
  • Pain, Stiffness, And Swelling Of Fingers And Joints
The Respiratory Problems Included:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry Cough
  • ‘Whistle’ In The Breath
The Gastrointestinal Problems Included:
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Weight Loss
  • Difficulty In Swallowing
  • Bloating After Meals
  • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease Or Heartburn
As For The Eyes, Additional Symptoms Associated With This Disease Are:

Burning, Itching And Discharge

Skin Examination Shows Rigidity, A Thickening And Hardening. Diagnostic Tests Include:
  • Urine Analysis
  • Echocardiography
  • Chest X-Ray
  • Antinuclear Antibodies
  • The Speed Of Sedimentation Of Blood
  • Ct Of The Lung
  • A Blood Test For Rheumatoid Factor
Treatment

The Drugs Used In The Treatment Of Scleroderma Include:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
  • Immunosuppressants (Methotrexate, Κυκλοφωσμαδίδη)

Other Treatments For Specific Symptoms Can Be:

  • Antacids For Heartburn
  • Bronchodilators For Ease Of Breathing
  • Drugs For The Treatment Of Raynaud's Syndrome
  • Αντιυπερταστικά Drugs (Particularly ACE Inhibitors) For Arterial Hypertension Or Kidney Problems

The Treatment Normally Consists Of A Combination Of Physiotherapy And Measures For The Protection Of The Skin And Joints (E.X., To Avoid The Cold In The Case Who Suffers From Raynaud's Phenomenon).

Prognosis

In most patients, the disease gradually worsens. The people who are infected with only the skin have a better evolution. Death can occur if infected with the gastrointestinal tract, the heart, the kidneys, or the lungs.
A type of scleroderma, also called localized scleroderma, is associated with problems of the skin of the hands and face. Deteriorates very slowly and usually does not affect any other part of the body.
Systemic scleroderma can affect many organs in the body. In some people, it has a slow progression and will not affect any vital organ. In others, on the contrary, it will infect organs such as the lungs, the kidneys, the intestines, the gall bladder and the heart.
In some cases, the symptoms and the problems grow quickly during the first few years and are gradually getting worse. In other cases, the deterioration is much slower. The complications in the lungs is the most common cause of death in patients with scleroderma.

Complications
  • Renal Failure
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Incomplete (Intestinal) Absorption
  • Heart Failure (Heart Failure)
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis (The Most Common Cause Of Death In Patients With Scleroderma)
Contact Your Doctor If:
  • Presenting Symptoms Of Scleroderma
  • Are You Suffering From Scleroderma, And The Symptoms Worsen Or You Develop New Symptoms
Prevention

There Is No Known Way Of Preventing. Minimize Exposure To Silica Dust And Polyvinyl Chloride.

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