Tips For Managing Scleroderma – Scleroderma is a rare disease that affects the skin and connective tissues in your body. Usually seen in women between 30 to 50 years of age, scleroderma affects 75,000 to 1,00,000 individuals in the US. Although there are several types of scleroderma, scleroderma mainly affects the skin. This disorder develops when your body produces too much collagen, a protein that holds your connective tissues and bones together. Scleroderma can leave you with tight, thickened skin and can also damage other organs in your body. Although there is no cure for this condition, your doctor may recommend treatment options that can help keep symptoms under control. In this article, we will delve into the symptoms, causes of scleroderma, and the treatment options available. Keep reading to find out more!
Scleroderma refers to a range of autoimmune disorders that cause your skin and connective tissue to harden and tighten. It is a chronic disease that tends to get worse as it progresses. As an autoimmune disease, one of the markers of scleroderma is the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies, of which anti-topoisomerase antibodies, anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies, and anti-centromere antibodies are the most prominent, leading to immunological issues (1) .
Tips For Managing Scleroderma
Scleroderma is also referred to as crest syndrome and systemic sclerosis. It is considered a rheumatic disease.
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Scleroderma occurs because of a problem with the immune system that causes collagen production to increase. Collagen is a protein that holds bones, muscles, tendons, and your skin together. Overproduction of collagen causes scarring and thickening of your tissues. Scleroderma can be mild to potentially fatal in its severity.
Localized scleroderma mainly affects the skin, although it can also affect your muscles and bones. This is the mildest form of scleroderma and does not affect the internal organs. It is further divided into two types – morphea and linear scleroderma.
Those with linear scleroderma may have bands or streaks of hardened skin on the feet. It usually affects the bones and muscles, causing joint pain.
Systemic scleroderma affects the entire body, including your blood and internal organs such as your kidneys, esophagus, lungs, and heart. It is associated with fibrosis in many organs. Its two main types are limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis syndrome (CREST) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. These are also known as limited scleroderma and diffuse scleroderma. Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis syndrome (CREST) is the least severe form of the disease. It usually affects the skin on your hands, face, feet, and lower arms and legs. It is also called CREST syndrome because its symptoms form the acronym, CREST, which stands for:
Scleroderma: Symptoms, Types, Causes, And Treatment
Diffuse systemic sclerosis is characterized by thickening of the skin from your hands to your wrists. It can also affect your internal organs. Affected individuals often experience symptoms of weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing and swallowing.
A study conducted on 1021 patients found that 7.6% had progressive skin fibrosis with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Also, more than 10% have a higher risk of experiencing a decline in lung function and dying from any cause compared to those without progressive skin fibrosis.
The exact cause of this condition is yet to be determined. But, since it is an autoimmune disease, problems with the functioning of your immune system may be the main cause. Other factors that can cause scleroderma or increase its risk are listed below.
One of the main causes of scleroderma is believed to be the overproduction of collagen – a protein that forms the building block of connective tissues. This can lead to thickening and subsequent scarring of the affected tissues.
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Another factor that can be responsible for the development of scleroderma is genes. However, this has not been confirmed yet.
A family history of autoimmune diseases is often observed in individuals with scleroderma, making it another factor that may contribute to the development of the condition.
Scleroderma can cause functional impairments mainly in the hands and mouth, which can change the use of foods.
Scleroderma is quite difficult to diagnose because it appears gradually and in different forms. Therefore, your doctor may perform the following tests to diagnose it.
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Your physician may perform a physical examination along with several other tests to diagnose scleroderma. Such tests include:
Your doctor may also look for signs of thickening of the skin, shortness of breath, GERD, and calcium deposits before diagnosing your condition.
Once you have been positively diagnosed with scleroderma, your doctor may suggest any of the treatments listed below.
Victoria Pendragon, a lifestyle blogger with a history of scleroderma, discusses the stigma surrounding her condition, her personal experiences, and its impact on her life in a post. He said, “Scleroderma has, until now, been a slow and painful death sentence. There is no known cure, even with clinical trials; I am part of one… but I am the only person who has been cured by a very complicated procedure (extra corporal photopheresis). Only my hands are left from before (i).”
Scleroderma: Signs, Symptoms, And Complications
XA property in a substance that strengthens the immune system for a better response to an infection or disease in the body. , antifibrotic
XA property of a substance that prevents excessive formation of fibrosis (accumulation of fibrous tissues) in the body. , and cardioprotective effects and is a great way to manage the symptoms of scleroderma. Most sclerodermic individuals are also deficient in vitamin D, thus indicating the need for its supplementation (3).
Peppermint oil has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed and sore skin due to the presence of menthol. It can also help alleviate pain symptoms (4).
XA class of drugs that help relieve pain from a wide variety of illnesses, from headaches to pain associated with scleroderma. effects, it is not surprising that lavender oil works well in treating the pain and inflammation that occurs with scleroderma (5). It also relieves stress (6).
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Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a medicinal herb known to strengthen connective tissues and promote the health of your blood vessels. It also has the ability to relieve symptoms of inflammation and stress (7).
Turmeric is a rich source of curcumin. Curcumin supplementation has been observed to suppress the fibrotic process that leads to excessive collagen production and the development of scleroderma (8), (9).
Onions are rich in compounds such as thiosulfinates and cepaene that exhibit anti-inflammatory activities. It helps in alleviating the symptoms of swelling and inflammation (10).
Topical application of lemon juice helps to soften the thickened skin and reduces swelling and inflammation (11).
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Gram flour can help in smoothing rough and thick skin. It also helps your skin regain its lost texture.
Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and swelling in your body. Ingesting fish oil may also prevent Raynaud’s disease, which is one of the hallmarks of scleroderma (12).
Ginger has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help inhibit pain-producing prostaglandins in your body, thus helping you manage the symptoms of scleroderma (13).
Cottage cheese is a rich source of sulfur and helps in easier absorption of oil as well as other nutrients into your cells. It increases your energy levels and helps you deal with scleroderma better.
Treatments & Medications
Other than these remedies, another natural way to manage the symptoms of scleroderma is to change your diet. The following is a diet specially created for those struggling with scleroderma.
Scleroderma requires many changes in general lifestyle, and it can be very difficult at times. Dolores Pfeuffer-Scherer, another lifestyle blogger with scleroderma, shared, “I fight it with everything I have, from prayer to exercise, to changing my lifestyle, whether it’s eating, sleeping, or exercising to maintain my mobility and mental training to make my days a little lighter. Living with and managing a chronic illness takes a lot of time, energy, thought, planning, and more patience than is often in me (ii).”
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that hardens and tightens your skin and mostly affects women. Although medical options such as physiotherapy and laser surgery are available, there are several natural treatments that can help manage the symptoms of this disease. Scroll down and check out the infographic below to learn more.
Scleroderma, a rare progressive autoimmune disorder, is characterized by an overproduction of collagen that leads to tightening and hardening of the skin and possible organ damage. It is a connective tissue disease and can be local or systemic and, based on that, can have different symptoms. The most common signs of localized scleroderma, a relatively mild form of the disorder, are dark or light-colored patches or bands of hardened skin. Systemic scleroderma presents with symptoms such as swelling, red spots, thickened fingers, and stiffness. Vitamin D, essential oils, gram flour, fish oil, lemon, and turmeric are some of the natural treatments for this condition. In addition to these, medical treatment methods may be necessary for some types of scleroderma. It is important to seek emotional and mental support whenever needed and to follow the treatment methods prescribed by your health care provider.
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When it comes to serious health conditions like scleroderma, it’s best to consult a doctor if you notice something
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