Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is the hardening of the skin, but many other symptoms can occur. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 important symptoms of scleroderma. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
What Is Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a chronic, progressive connective tissue disorder characterized by hardening and thickening of the skin. It typically affects the hands, arms, feet, and face. The cause is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. There is no cure for scleroderma, but treatments can help manage the symptoms.
10 Important Symptoms of Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a disease that results in the hardening and tightening of the skin. It can also affect the internal organs, including the lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. Scleroderma can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Here are ten important symptoms to watch out for:
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
This is when the blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict in response to cold or stress. The affected areas may turn white or blue.
Swelling And Stiffness In The Joints
Joints may become swollen, painful, and stiff. This is often worse in the morning.
Fatigue
People with scleroderma often feel tired and may have difficulty sleeping.
Digestive Problems
Scleroderma can cause constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and indigestion.
Skin Changes
The skin may become thicker and hardened. It may also be itchy or have a burning sensation.
Kidney Problems
Scleroderma can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage.
Problems With The Lungs
Scleroderma can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and other lung problems.
Heart Problems
Scleroderma can cause heart rhythm problems and congestive heart failure.
Memory And Mood Changes
People with scleroderma may experience memory loss, depression, anxiety, and other mood changes.
Scleroderma Comes In A Variety Of Forms
Scleroderma is divided into two types: localized and systemic. Diffuse and restricted scleroderma are the two basic kinds of systemic scleroderma.
Specific/Localized Area
Localized scleroderma, the most prevalent form of the illness, affects only a person’s skin, generally in a few spots. It usually manifests itself on the skin as waxy patches or streaks, and it is normal for the less severe version to fade away or cease progressing without therapy.
Diffuse Scleroderma
This kind affects numerous sections of the body, as the name implies. It can affect not only digestive, and skin but also many internal organs, and respiratory problems like kidney failure. It can become life-threatening in some cases.
Limited (CREST)
The disease is also known as CREST syndrome, and each letter represents a characteristic of the sickness:
Calcinosis is a type of cancer that affects the lungs (abnormal calcium deposits in the skin)
Raynaud’s syndrome (see the symptoms section)
Esophagus Dysmotility (difficulty swallowing)
Sclerodactyly (skin tightening on the fingers)
Telangiectasias (red spots on the skin)
What Causes Scleroderma?
Scleroderma’s actual cause is uncertain. Scleroderma can run in families, albeit this is uncommon. In the vast majority of instances, there is no evidence of a family history of the condition. Scleroderma is a contagious disease.
Diagnosis Of Scleroderma
Scleroderma is not usually straightforward to diagnose. Scleroderma is sometimes confused for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus because it can affect other regions of the body, such as the joints.
Blood Test
Antinuclear antibodies, or immunological factors, are found to be elevated in 95 percent of scleroderma patients, according to blood testing. Although these antibodies can also be seen in other autoimmune disorders like lupus, testing for them in scleroderma patients can help with a more precise diagnosis.
Pulmonary Function Test
Pulmonary function tests are used to determine how well the lungs are performing. If scleroderma is suspected or confirmed, it’s crucial to check whether it’s gone to the lungs, where it might induce scar tissue formation. An X-ray or computed tomography (CT scan) may be used to screen for lung injury.
Electrocardiogram
Scleroderma can induce scarring of the heart tissue, which can lead to congestive heart failure and abnormal heart electrical activity. This test is used to check if the disease has spread to the heart.
Echocardiogram
Once every 6 to 12 months, an echocardiogram (heart ultrasonography) is advised to check for problems such as pulmonary hypertension and/or congestive heart failure.
Other tests include
- Gastrointestinal tests
- Kidney function
Treatment Of Scleroderma
Digestive Remedies
To aid patients with heartburn and other digestive issues, a range of drugs may be recommended. Antacids, proton pump inhibitors (such as Prevacid®, Protonix®, or Nexium®), and H2 receptor blockers (such as Zantac® or Pepcid®) are among these. Proton pump inhibitors act by preventing stomach acid from being secreted by blocking the proton or acid pump. H2 receptor blockers operate by inhibiting histamine, a substance in the body that increases acid production in the stomach.
Skin Treatments
Topical medicines are typically helpful for localized scleroderma. Moisturizers are used to cure tough skin as well as to prevent it from drying out. Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, are administered to enhance blood flow so that finger sores can heal. Nitrates cause the arteries to dilate by relaxing the smooth muscles (widen).
The smooth muscles that support blood arteries and several internal organs are known as smooth muscles. Because nitrates can cause dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and blurred vision, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about whether they’re good for you.
Treatment Of Lung Disease
In a recent NIH research, the medication cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®), a type of chemotherapy, was found to be beneficial for patients with scleroderma who have rapidly deteriorating pulmonary fibrosis (lung tissue scarring).
The efficacy of oral cyclophosphamide in enhancing lung function and quality of life in scleroderma patients with interstitial lung disease was demonstrated in this study.
Conclusion
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor. Scleroderma is a serious condition, but it can be effectively managed with treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome.