Scleroderma is the name for a range of conditions that affect your immune system (autoimmune conditions) and can cause hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with muscles, bones, internal organs and blood vessels.
The two main types of scleroderma are:
localised scleroderma (morphoea) – this mostly affects the skin but some types can also affect tissues under the skin, such as muscle and bone
systemic sclerosis – this may affect blood circulation and internal organs as well as the skin
There are also different types of localised scleroderma and systemic sclerosis. Some types may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems.
Although there's no cure for scleroderma, symptoms can usually be managed by a range of different treatments.
Localised scleroderma
Localised scleroderma (morphoea) can affect both children and adults.
It mostly affects the skin, causing 1 or more hard patches to develop. But it can also affect tissues such as muscle and bone under the skin.Exactly how the skin is affected depends on the type of localised scleroderma. There are 2 main types, called plaque and linear morphoea.
Plaque morphoea:
is most common in adults
causes 1 or more discoloured oval patches on the skin, which may be hairless and shiny
can appear anywhere on the body
may improve after a few years and treatment may not be needed
Linear morphoea:
causes thickened skin in lines – mostly along the arms and legs of children, but also on the forehead and scalp
can affect underlying bone and muscle
may improve after a few years, although it can cause permanent problems, such as shortened limbs or vision problems
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce too much collagen, a protein that makes up connective tissue. This can lead to the hardening and tightening of the skin, as well as damage to internal organs.
There are three main types of scleroderma:
Localized scleroderma affects only the skin. It is the most common type of scleroderma, accounting for about 70% of cases.
Systemic sclerosis affects the skin and internal organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive tract. It is the second most common type of scleroderma, accounting for about 20% of cases.
CREST syndrome is a type of systemic sclerosis that affects the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. It is the rarest type of scleroderma, accounting for about 10% of cases.
The symptoms of scleroderma can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Common symptoms include:
Hard, thickened, or tight skin
Raynaud's phenomenon (a condition that causes the fingers and toes to turn white, blue, and red when exposed to cold)
Swelling in the hands, feet, and face
Joint pain
Fatigue
Dry mouth and eyes
Digestive problems
Lung problems
Kidney problems
There is no cure for scleroderma, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include:
Medications to reduce inflammation and pain
Physical therapy to help maintain range of motion
Occupational therapy to help with activities of daily living
Surgery to treat skin ulcers or other complications
The outlook for people with scleroderma varies depending on the type and severity of the disease. Some people with localized scleroderma have few or no symptoms and live normal lives. Others with systemic sclerosis or CREST syndrome may experience more severe symptoms and have a shorter life expectancy.
If you are concerned that you may have scleroderma, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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Answer:
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is the name for a range of conditions that affect your immune system (autoimmune conditions) and can cause hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with muscles, bones, internal organs and blood vessels.
The two main types of scleroderma are:
localised scleroderma (morphoea) – this mostly affects the skin but some types can also affect tissues under the skin, such as muscle and bone
systemic sclerosis – this may affect blood circulation and internal organs as well as the skin
There are also different types of localised scleroderma and systemic sclerosis. Some types may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems.
Although there's no cure for scleroderma, symptoms can usually be managed by a range of different treatments.
Localised scleroderma
Localised scleroderma (morphoea) can affect both children and adults.
It mostly affects the skin, causing 1 or more hard patches to develop. But it can also affect tissues such as muscle and bone under the skin.Exactly how the skin is affected depends on the type of localised scleroderma. There are 2 main types, called plaque and linear morphoea.
Plaque morphoea:
is most common in adults
causes 1 or more discoloured oval patches on the skin, which may be hairless and shiny
can appear anywhere on the body
may improve after a few years and treatment may not be needed
Linear morphoea:
causes thickened skin in lines – mostly along the arms and legs of children, but also on the forehead and scalp
can affect underlying bone and muscle
may improve after a few years, although it can cause permanent problems, such as shortened limbs or vision problems
Explanation:
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Answer:
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce too much collagen, a protein that makes up connective tissue. This can lead to the hardening and tightening of the skin, as well as damage to internal organs.
There are three main types of scleroderma:
The symptoms of scleroderma can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Common symptoms include:
There is no cure for scleroderma, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include:
The outlook for people with scleroderma varies depending on the type and severity of the disease. Some people with localized scleroderma have few or no symptoms and live normal lives. Others with systemic sclerosis or CREST syndrome may experience more severe symptoms and have a shorter life expectancy.
If you are concerned that you may have scleroderma, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.