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SclerodermaScleroderma can be a chronic (that is, it gets worse as a person ages), progressive auto-immune disease, which means that a sufferer's own immune system attacks their own body tissues, causing the symptoms. That is, the person's own immune system turns against parts of the body that it is designed to protect, causing inflammation and damage to various body tissues.
Scleroderma predominantly affects the skin, but can also affect different parts of the body with symptoms varying enormously from a minor irritation to a life-threatening illness. The symptoms caused by Scleroderma can generally be managed with appropriate treatments.
There are several types of Scleroderma:
- If the Scleroderma affects the skin alone, then it is known as Localised Scleroderma. Localised Scleroderma may cause patches of thickened skin, known as morphea, or as Linear Scleroderma, where a line of thickened skin that may extend along an arm or a leg.
- If the Scleroderma also affects the internal organs, then it is known as Systemic Scleroderma. If the Systemic Scleroderma only affects the skin below the elbow and
on the face, then it is known as Limited Scleroderma. However, if skin all over the body is affected, then it is known as Diffuse Scleroderma.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Scleroderma vary greatly from person to person and from case to case, and depend on the type of Scleroderma and on which part(s) of the body are affected. The symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- Thickening of the skin, particularly on the fingers, arms and sometimes face.
- Colour changes in the hands and feet, usually from pale to blue to red, and especially often after exposure to a specific cold (Raynaud's Disease).
- Small calcium deposits in the form of nodules on the fingertips and bony prominences.
- Stiffness in the muscles and joints.
- Indigestion (heartburn).
- Diarrhoea.
- Constipation.
- Lung or kidney impairment.
Risk Factors
The main risk factors for Scleroderma include:
- Sex
- Age
- Family history
Scleroderma affects more women than men, so sex is a risk factor for the condition.
Also, the onset of Scleroderma normally occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years but it can occur at any age, implicating age as a risk factor for the condition.
Scleroderma does not appear to be inherited, and the condition does not run in families.
Causes
The exact causes of Scleroderma are unknown at this time.
However, some recent research suggests that problems in the connective tissues (such as the tissues that hold together muscle, blood vessels, fat and skin) can result in the tissue becoming damaged and replaced by scar tissue.
Diagnosis
At the current time, there is no single test for Scleroderma, but a range of tests may be used. To obtain a diagnosis for Scleroderma a doctor may perform one or more of the following tests:
- Physical examination,
- Medical history check,
- Blood tests,
- Skin biopsy,
- Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test - the vast majority (about 95%) of Scleroderma sufferers test positive to this test. Antinuclear Antibodies are antibodies to DNA, and they react against components of the cell nucleus, the "command centre" of the body's cells. This test is also used for Lupus - see section 10.4 below.
- X-Rays of the affected joints, and/or,
- A fluid sample from the affected joint.
These tests will help to confirm a diagnosis, or help rule out other types of Arthritis.
Complications / Issues
Like all forms of Arthritis, if left untreated, the sufferer may experience severe pain and discomfort, which will impact on all facets of their life.
Treatment
Like other forms of Arthritis, there is no cure for Scleroderma but there are many treatments for specific symptoms. The most appropriate management and treatment options for Scleroderma depend on the individual's symptoms.
For example, the following Scleroderma treatments may be appropriate:
- Suitable exercise to preserve the range of motion for the affected joints and improve overall health.
- Medication to slow the progression of skin involvement
- The effects of Raynaud's Disease may be reduced by avoiding changes in temperature and by using gloves and other warming devices. Medication may also be used to decrease the severity of the symptoms and issues caused by Raynaud's Disease.
- Medication to treat any issues if the lungs or kidneys are affected.
For most people, Scleroderma is not systemic or progressive. For many, Scleroderma presents itself as a mild skin condition. However some people may have involvement throughout the body.
As with all forms of Arthritis, treatment will provide the best results if:
- Sufferers make efforts to learn about and understand their condition.
- Sufferers learn techniques to help manage their arthritis.
- Sufferers should begin treatment as soon as possible to begin managing the condition, reduce pain and discomfort, minimise joint / bone deterioration, and help them maintain mobility.
- Sufferers should consult their doctor / rheumatologist regularly so that they can keep up to date with new treatments and management techniques.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent the onset of this form of Arthritis, however, the symptoms of the condition can be managed and treated to reduce pain, discomfort, and damage to joints and bones.
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