SCLERODERMA : causes , symptoms , treatments

 SCLERODERMA 

Scleroderma is a chronic but rare autoimmune disease in which normal tissue is replaced with thick tissue with extra collagen . Although it most often affects the skin, scleroderma also can affect many other parts of the body . 



Scleroderma is a chronic , the immune system helps defend the body against disease and infection . In patients with scleroderma , the immune system  triggers other cells to produce too much collagen [ protein ] . The extra collagen is deposited in the skin & organ , which cause hardening and thickening . It most often affects the skin, scleroderma  also can affect many parts of the body including the gastrointestinal tract, lungs , kidney , heart , blood vessels , muscles and joints . Scleroderma in its most severe forms can be life - threatening . 

FORMS OF SCLERODERMA 

There are 2 major forms of scleroderma , localized  and systemic . Systemic scleroderma can be broken down into two main types : diffuse and limited .

Localized Scleroderma - The more common form of the disease , localized scleroderma , affects only a person's , usually in just a few places . Appears in the form of waxy patches or streaks on the skin .

Diffuse Scleroderma - This form affects many parts of the body . it affect the skin , but it also can affect many internal organs , Systemic scleroderma can sometimes become serious and life - threatening. 

Limited Scleroderma - Patients with limited scleroderma do not experience kidney problems . The skin thickening is restricted to the fingers , hands and forearms , and also sometimes the feet and legs . CREST syndrome, each letter stands for a features of the disease :

C  cinosis [ abnormal calcium deposits in the skin ]

R  aynaud's phenomena [ see the symptoms sections ]

E  sophageal dysmotility [ difficulty swallowing ]

S  clerodactyly al[ skin tightening on the fingers ] 

T  elangectasias [ red spots on the skin ] 


CAUSES OF SCLERODERMA 

The cause of scleroderma is unknown . Although rarely, scleroderma can run in families. most cases do not show in any family history of the disease . 



SYMPTOMS OF SCLERODERMA 

The thickening of skin, in the following other symptoms may occur in a person with scleroderma :

  • swelling of the hands and feet 
  • red spots on the skin 
  • excessive calcium deposition in the skin 
  • joint contractures 
  • tight mask like facial skin 
  • pain and stifffness in the joints 
  • shortness of breath 
  • heartburn 
  • constipation 
  • weightloss 
  • fatigue 

RISK FACTORS OF SCLERODERMA 




It usually happens in women and in peoplen who are age 35 - 55 . other things that might raise your risk include :

- certain changes in your genes 
- a family history of autoimmune disease 
-trigger in the world around you likr viruses , medications , or chemicals 

COMPLICATIONS OF SCLERODERMA 


Treatments can help lower your risk of complication , which may include :

- high blood pressure in your lungs 
- scar tissues in your lungs 
- loss of blood flow to your fingers and toes 
- muscles inflammation 
- infection 
- kidney failure 

TREATMENTS OF SCLERODERMA 


- steroids and other medication to slow your immune system , these can help with swelling and pain . 
- drugs to boost blood flow to your fingers 
- blood pressure medication 
- drugs to open blood vessels in your lungs or to keep tissue from scarring 
- heartburn medication 
- antibiotics 
- medications to help move food through you intestines . 
- exercise 
- physical therapy 
- occupational therapy
- stress management 
- organ transplant if organ are severely damaged 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

what is the fastest way to kill scabies ?

Image
SCABIES: There are approximately 200 million cases of scabies in the world at any given time. It’s a highly contagious condition that can easily be passed from one person to another through direct skin contact. Scabiesa sexually transmitted disease, although it can be transmitted through intimate contact, sharing clothing, or sharing bedding. Although scabies can be bothersome, the mites can usually be eliminated. Treatment often consists of medications that kill the mites and their eggs. Since scabies is so contagious, doctors usually also recommend treatment for the people who are in frequent contact with the person who has scabies. What are the causes of  scabies ? Scabies is the result of an infestation of tiny, eight-legged mites. These bugs are so small you  can’t  see them on your skin, but you can certainly see their effects. The mites burrow into the top layer of your skin to live and feed. Female mites lay eggs. Your skin reacts to the mites and their waste, and...
Read more

What is the main cause of lipoma ?

Image
 LIPOMA : Lipomas are  benign soft tissue tumors . They grow slowly and are not cancerous. Most lipomas don’t need treatment. If a lipoma is bothering you, your healthcare provider can remove it with an outpatient procedure. A lipoma is a round or oval-shaped lump of tissue that grows just beneath the skin. It’s made of fat, moves easily when you touch it and doesn’t usually cause pain. Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body, but they’re most common on the back, trunk (torso), arms, shoulders and neck.   A lipoma is a lump of fatty tissue that grows just under the skin. Lipomas move easily when you touch them and feel rubbery, not hard. Most lipomas aren’t painful and don't cause health problems so they rarely need treatment. If a lipoma is bothering you, your provider can remove it. WHAT THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LIPOMA ? Lipomas aren’t usually painful, but they can be uncomfortable if they press against a nerve or develop near a joint. Many people who have a lipoma do...
Read more

SYPHILIS : CAUSES , PREVENTION , RISK FACTORS

Image
 SYPHILIS  Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact . Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria known as Treponema pallidu . Syphilis can be challenging to diagnose . Someone can have it without showing any symptoms for years . Syphilis that remains untreated for a long time can cause major damage  to important organs , such as heart and the brain .  The symptoms and causes of syphilis can help you protect yourself . Syphilis , understanding this infection can help you recognize signs of the conditions and prevent transmission .  CAUSES OF SYPHILIS : Syphilis is caused by a bacterial infection . The bacterial infection has minimal to no symptoms . The infection progresses to affect multiple systems in your body, which can have severe effects .  RISK OF SYPHILIS : Here some certain factors may increase your chances of contracting an infection . The following groups of people have an increased risk of contracting...
Read more