overview
- Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh) is a group of rare diseases in which the skin and connective tissue are hardened and tightened.
- Scleroderma affects women more than men and is most common between the ages of 30 and 50. While there is no cure for scleroderma, various treatments can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Scleroderma treatment in Khammam
symptom
The signs and symptoms of scleroderma vary depending on the parts of the body affected:
The skin. Almost all people with scleroderma harden and tighten the skin spots. These plaques can be shaped like ovals, straight lines, or cover large areas of the trunk and limbs. The number, location, and size of the patches will vary depending on the type of scleroderma. The skin may appear shiny because it is so tight and movement in the affected area may be restricted.
Fingers or toes. One of the first signs of systemic scleroderma is Raynaud’s disease, where the small blood vessels in your fingers and toes contract in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress. When this happens, your fingers or toes may turn blue or be sore or numb. Raynaud’s disease also occurs in people who do not have scleroderma.
The reasons
Scleroderma results from the overproduction and build-up of collagen in the tissues of the body. Collagen is a fibrous type of protein that makes up the connective tissue in your body, including your skin.
Doctors aren’t sure what exactly is causing the abnormal collagen production to begin, but the body’s immune system appears to be involved. Most likely, scleroderma is caused by a combination of factors, including problems with the immune system, genetics, and environmental triggers. Scleroderma treatment in Khammam
Risk factors
Anyone can get scleroderma, but it’s much more common in women than men. Several factors combined appear to influence the risk of scleroderma:
Genetically. People with certain genetic variations seem more likely to develop scleroderma. This could explain why small numbers of cases of scleroderma run across families and why certain types of scleroderma are more common in certain ethnic groups. For example, Choctaw Indians are more likely to develop the type of scleroderma that affects internal organs.
Complications
The complications of scleroderma range from mild to severe and can affect the following:
With your fingertips. The variety of Raynaud’s disease that occurs in systemic scleroderma can be so severe that the restricted blood flow permanently damages the tissues on the fingertips and causes stitches or sores on the skin. In some cases, tissue in the fingertips can die off and require amputation.
Lung. Scars in the lung tissue can lead to decreased lung function, which can affect your ability to breathe and exercise tolerance. You can also develop high blood pressure in the arteries in your lungs. Scleroderma treatment in Khammam