skin changes can affect the whole body. other symptoms can include weight loss, fatigue, and joint pain and stiffness. symptoms come on suddenly and get worse quickly over the first few years, but then the condition normally settles and the skin may gradually improve.
Is scleroderma caused by stress?
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease influenced by interplay among genetic and environmental factors, of which one is stress.
Where is scleroderma most commonly found?
Although it most often affects the skin, scleroderma also can affect many other parts of the body including the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, muscles and joints. Scleroderma in its most severe forms can be life-threatening.
At what age is scleroderma usually diagnosed?
While scleroderma can develop in every age group, the onset is most often between the ages of 25 and 55. Still, symptoms, onset age and other factors vary for each patient.
How quickly does scleroderma progress?
How scleroderma progresses and changes over time varies greatly among people. Most people experience tight and swollen fingers in the beginning and will likely have Raynaud’s phenomenon. Afterwards, it can take months to years for the full extent of the disease to develop.
What are the stages of scleroderma?
Cutaneous involvement has 3 phases: (1) edematous, (2) indurative, and (3) atrophic. Skin becomes thickened and tight.
What vitamins are good for scleroderma?
Your doctor may recommend taking a multivitamin daily that has the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. These supplements may help reduce some symptoms: Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 to 2 capsules or 1 to 3 tbsp.
What foods should be avoided with scleroderma?
Avoid eating two to three hours before bed- time. Avoid foods that may aggra- vate symptoms such as citrus fruits, tomato products, greasy fried foods, coffee, garlic, onions, peppermint, gas-producing foods (such as raw peppers, beans, broccoli or raw onions), spicy foods, carbonated beverages and alcohol.
What are the two types of scleroderma?
There are two main categories of scleroderma: localized and systemic. Each category is made up of several conditions. Localized scleroderma: often affects only the skin and not major organs.
How long does scleroderma last?
In some cases, the skin problems associated with scleroderma fade away on their own in two to five years. The type of scleroderma that affects internal organs usually worsens with time.
What type of doctor can diagnose scleroderma?
Doctors who most commonly diagnose scleroderma are dermatologists and rheumatologists. Dermatologists have expertise in diagnosing diseases that affect the skin, and rheumatologists specialize in diseases that affect the joints, muscles, and bones.
Can you live a normal life with scleroderma?
Many people with scleroderma lead a normal, or near normal life, although most have to be careful to avoid cold environments. People who are more severely affected (for example those with lung involvement, or limitation in hand function) are often restricted in what they are able to do.
Does scleroderma cause weight gain?
Acute localized scleroderma (morphea) can present as severe generalized oedema with rapid weight gain and oliguria.
What does scleroderma pain feel like?
Symptoms can include: Tight skin or swollen joints. Joint pain or tenderness. Muscle fatigue and weakness or aching.
Does turmeric help scleroderma?
Recent research shows that curcumin, a component of turmeric, may benefit people who suffer from scleroderma. Scleroderma is a disorder where the body produces excessive amounts of connective tissue called collagen. This fibrous tissue builds up in the skin and other organs and can disrupt their function.
What is the best medicine for scleroderma?
The most promising drugs are mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide with or without antithymocyte globulin.
Is exercise good for scleroderma?
Regular exercise is especially important for people with scleroderma because it helps manage common symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, and stress.
Does scleroderma go away?
A.
Localized forms of scleroderma can improve or go away on their own over time, but the skin changes and damage that occur when the disease is active can be permanent.
What does scleroderma rash look like?
Nearly everyone who has scleroderma experiences a hardening and tightening of patches of skin. These patches may be shaped like ovals or straight lines, or cover wide areas of the trunk and limbs.
What Does End Stage scleroderma look like?
This type of scleroderma is typically accompanied by shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and the inability to perform routine physical activities. End-stage scleroderma often causes pulmonary fibrosis and/or pulmonary hypertension, both of which can be life-threatening.
Does scleroderma affect your teeth?
People living with scleroderma face unique challenges while trying to maintain their oral health. They are more likely to be affected by dental conditions such as small mouth, dry mouth, jaw pain, gum disease, and dietary issues.
Does scleroderma make you look younger?
As the result, the severity of wrinkles, texture and pores were significantly lower in SSc patients than control subjects. Among them, wrinkles showed better correlation with skin thickness score. Therefore, increased amount of collagen in scleroderma skin may directly affect wrinkles.
What can mimic scleroderma?
However, similar features of hard and thick skin can be seen in other conditions which are often referred to as “scleroderma mimics”. These mimics include eosinophilic fasciitis, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, scleromyxedema, and scleredema among others.