Skin Disorders

Skin disorders cover a wide range of conditions, some benign, some very serious, and some even a sign of another underlying illness. A skin disorder not only affects your physical health, but also your emotional well-being.

Skin Care › Skin Disorders › Scleroderma

Scleroderma Symptoms And Treatment (with Pictures)

Scleroderma is a rare, chronic disease characterized by excessive deposits of collagen. Progressive systemic scleroderma or systemic sclerosis, the generalised type of the disease, can be fatal. Scleroderma is a diffuse connective tissue disease characterized by changes in the skin, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, and internal organs.

Scleroderma means "hard skin" and is pronounced skler-o-derma. Scleroderma is a disease that causes fibrosis (hardening) of the skin and sometimes the internal organs. Scleroderma can range from a form localized to the skin to a severe disease the effects the internal organs known as systemic scleroderma.

Causes of Scleroderma

In most cases, the cause of scleroderma is unknown. However, in a small minority of cases, scleroderma or scleroderma-like illnesses are associated with exposure to certain toxins or as a complication of bone marrow transplants. Scleroderma is not contagious and is rarely inherited.

Signs and symptoms of Scleroderma

Scleroderma affects the skin, and in more serious cases it can affect the blood vessels and internal organs. The most evident symptom is the hardening of the skin and associated scarring. Typically, the skin appears reddish or scaly in appearance. Blood vessels may also be more visible. Where large areas are affected, fat and muscle wastage will weaken limbs and affect appearance. Some of the common symptoms are:- Puffy hands and feet, particularly in the morning Skin is hard Tight and mask-like facial skin Swelling of fingers and joints Ulcerations on fingertips or toes

How is Scleroderma diagnosed?

Diagnosis of scleroderma is based on clinical history and physical findings. Diagnosis may be delayed in those without significant skin thickening. Laboratory, X-ray and pulmonary function tests determine the extent and severity of internal organ involvement.

Treatment for Scleroderma

Scleroderma has no known cure - there is no treatment to stop the overproduction of collagen. Your doctor may recommend a number of medications to make it easier for you to live with scleroderma by treating its symptoms. However if you skin change your doctor may recommend a topical treatment, such as a moisturizer or corticosteroid medication that you apply to your skin.

Regular exercise helps improve overall health and fitness. For people who have scleroderma, it also helps keep the skin and joints flexible, maintain better blood flow, and prevent contractures. General exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or walking keeps you fit and flexible. Special range of motions exercises help keep skin and specific joints flexible. These should be practiced twice daily.