Environmental factors may trigger the disease in the susceptible host. For example, silica exposure (as in coal mining or sand blasting) has been associated with systemic scleroderma and certain drugs can cause scleroderma-like reactions.
Does stress cause scleroderma?
We agree that susceptibility, progression and clinical presentation of scleroderma are influenced by a strong interplay of several factors, of which one is psychosocial stress (2–5). Our preliminary findings further suggest that mechanical stress is involved in the onset, continuation and exacerbation of scleroderma.
Is scleroderma a rheumatic disease?
Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue and rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in the skin and other areas of the body. This inflammation leads to patches of tight, hard skin. Scleroderma can affect just one area of the body, or it can affect many systems in the body.
Can 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 is the best medicine for scleroderma?
The most promising drugs are mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide with or without antithymocyte globulin.
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.
What is End Stage scleroderma?
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.
What happens if scleroderma is left untreated?
Left untreated, the low blood flow leads to tissue damage and kidney failure. This reversible problem was the leading cause of death in scleroderma before new treatment was discovered. Rarely, renal failure secondary to scleroderma vascular disease occurs in the absence of hypertension.
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.
Does scleroderma hurt?
Pain, stiffness and achiness are common problems in Scleroderma. Almost all people with Scleroderma are familiar with pain due to Raynaud’s or finger ulcerations. Many more experience joint, nerve, and muscle pain.
Is scleroderma considered a disability?
To qualify for disability benefits for scleroderma, either from social security or from a private disability carrier, you must show not only that you have scleroderma, but you must also present medical evidence that your scleroderma causes symptoms that impair your functionality to the extent that they disable you from …
What are the first signs of scleroderma?
Scleroderma Symptoms
- Hardened or thickened skin that looks shiny and smooth. It’s most common on your hands and face.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Ulcers or sores on your fingertips.
- Small red spots on your face and chest.
- Firm, oval-shaped patches on your skin.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Painful or swollen joints.
- Muscle weakness.
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.
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.
Can you live a long life with scleroderma?
In general, patients with limited scleroderma have a normal life expectancy. Some have problems with their GI tract, especially heartburn; severe Raynaud’s and musculoskeletal pain; and a small subset can develop pulmonary hypertension that can be life-threatening.
What organs does scleroderma affect?
Systemic scleroderma can involve the skin, esophagus, gastrointestinal tract (stomach and bowels), lungs, kidneys, heart and other internal organs. It can also affect blood vessels, muscles and joints.
Does scleroderma come on suddenly?
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.
What does a scleroderma rash look like?
Skin. 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. The number, location and size of the patches vary by type of scleroderma.
Does scleroderma cause weight gain?
Acute localized scleroderma (morphea) can present as severe generalized oedema with rapid weight gain and oliguria.
What is the newest treatment for scleroderma?
AVID200 is a new drug that interferes with proteins that are thought to play a major role in the development of fibrosis in scleroderma patients. This trial seeks to assess safety and tolerability of AVID200 in those with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).
How can I cure my scleroderma?
Currently, there’s no cure for scleroderma, so doctors will find the treatments that work best to decrease the severity of the specific symptoms and manage or prevent additional complications.
Is Turmeric Good for 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.