Scleroderma is a
chronic, progressive autoimmune disease which causes a
thickening and scarring of the skin and connective
tissue due to excess deposits of collagen. Collagen is
fibrous protein in connective tissue. The name
scleroderma means "hard skin". It is caused by a
malfunction in the immune system which causes the body
to attack healthy tissue causing inflammation and the
excess production of collagen.
While there is no scleroderma cure, there are many ways
to relieve symptoms. The first and best holistic
approach for scleroderma and arthritis is to beef up the
immune system.
If you do nothing
else, eliminate all refined white sugar from your diet.
You will notice an immediate and noticeable results in
weight, energy levels and mental clarity. Other immune
boosting habits are to exercise, get plenty of sleep,
eat an abundance of raw fruits and vegetables, drink
plenty of water and eat ample amounts of protein.
Scleroderma consists of two types: Localized scleroderma
and systemic sclerosis. Localized scleroderma only
affects a limited amount of skin and musculoskeletal
system. Localized scleroderma is divided into two
subclasses: Morphea (oval-shaped white patches with a
purple border appear on skin of trunk, arms legs or
forehead) and linear scleroderma (bands of thickened
skin on arms, legs, or forehead).
Systemic sclerosis is more serious because it affects a
larger area of the skin as well as causing damage to the
heart, lungs and kidneys. People with the systemic form
of scleroderma can also develop arthritis, muscle
inflammation, dry mouth, dry eyes, and slow contractions
in the gastrointestinal track.
Scleroderma often
causes Raynaud's phenomenon, a color change of the
fingers or toes when exposed to cold or stress caused by
blood vessel spasms. Most people with scleroderma do not
know what caused the disorder. Sometimes it is caused by
bone marrow transplants or by toxin exposure. Rarely, it
is caused by genetics.
Women are more likely than men to get scleroderma and
adults are more likely to get scleroderma than children.
About 150,000 Americans have scleroderma. Out of every
million people, 10 to 20 new people will be diagnosed
with scleroderma each year. In five years, 80 to 85
percent of the people newly diagnosed with scleroderma
will still be alive. Death is most often due to kidney
damage. Disfigurement of the joints and finger ulcers
cause many with scleroderma to have hands that do not
function properly. Scleroderma is not contagious or
cancerous and it normally is not something that you
inherit. There is no definitive cause for scleroderma.
Scleroderma symptoms include the following:
-
Pain
in joint areas or joint stiffness
-
Color changes in
fingers or toes due to cold or stress
-
Curling of fingers
-
Digestive problems such as slow movement of food, poor
absorption of nutrients
-
Sores on joints
-
Swelling of hands and feet
-
Gradual hardening or tightening of skin
Diagnosis of
scleroderma involves a physical exam and a medical
history. If skin thickening is not significant, a
diagnosis may not be made promptly. To determine if the
severity of internal organ damage due to the
scleroderma, lab tests, X-rays, and pulmonary function
tests may be given. There is no cure for scleroderma and
the only treatment that may be a help in slowing the
progression of the disease is the drug d-penicillamine.
Scleroderma treatment is determining by which organ is
affected and giving organ-specific treatment. Acid
reducing drugs are used to treat damage to the
esophagus, calcium channel blockers are used to treat
Raynaud's phenomenon, antibiotics, special diets and
medications can help the absorption of nutrients for
those with intestinal abnormalities.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are used to treat
musculoskeletal discomfort, physical therapy and
occupational therapy are used improve the function and
use of the joints and high blood pressure and the
decline in renal functioning can be treated with
medications. Your doctor might also prescribe a
DMARD
medication to relieve rheumatic symptoms.
Remember though that
while there is no scleroderma cure, a holistic approach
for scleroderma and arthritis is the best approach for
improving health.
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