Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases that involves the hardening and tightening of the skin, connective tissue and the fibers for the framework and support of the body. In some people, scleroderma only affects the skin, but it usually affects the structures beyond the skin such as the blood vessels, internal organs and the digestive tract.
Scleroderma usually affects women more than men and happens between the ages 30 and 50 years old. You can learn more about this condition and how to manage the symptoms by enrolling in a first aid course today.
Symptoms of scleroderma
- People with scleroderma experiences hardening and tightening of patches of skin and the shapes like oval or straight lines. The skin looks shiny because it is too tight while the movement in the area is limited.
- There is numbness, pain and changes in color in the finger and toes.
- There is problem in absorbing nutrients since the foods are not moving properly through the intestines.
- Sometimes the heart, lungs or kidneys are also affected which requires immediate medical attention.
Causes of scleroderma
Scleroderma can be caused by an overproduction and accumulation of collagen found in the body tissue. Collagen is a fibrous protein that makes up the connective tissue of the body, also the skin. The immune system of the body can also cause scleroderma.
Complications from scleroderma can range from mild to severe and can affect the following:
- A severe scleroderma can permanently damage the tissues found in the fingertips, causing skin sores or ulcers, sometimes it can cause gangrene and amputations.
- Pulmonary fibrosis which is scarring of lung tissue and leads to a reduced lung function or it can develop high blood pressure in the arteries to the lungs also known as pulmonary hypertension.
- There is an increased level of protein found in the urine
- Scleroderma can cause scarring of the heart and an increased risk of abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmias.
- Severe tightening of facial skin causes the mouth to become smaller and narrower, and making it hard in brushing the teeth.
- Scleroderma can cause acid reflux and difficulty swallowing.
- Men with scleroderma sometimes experiences erectile dysfunction.
Treatment and home remedies
- The person should stay active, like doing some exercises will keep the body flexible. It will improve the blood circulation and can help relieve the stiffness of the muscles. The individual should also engage in some range-of-motion exercises can help in making the skin and joints more flexible.
- Do not smoke since smoking causes the blood vessels to contract and even lead to the permanent narrowing of the blood vessels.
- Wear warm mittens for protection from cold, even when reaching into a freezer. When outside in the cold, cover the face and head and wear layers of warm clothing.