Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a hardening of the skin as well as arterial walls. The disorder can be localized to one area of the body, or systemic, and affect the entire body including the lungs, heart and other organs. The disorder is not contagious. Symptoms of the disease vary from for each person. Some symptoms are mild while others are life-threatening. According to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300,000 people in the United States have the skin disorder; one-third of those suffer from systemic scleroderma.
Symptoms
Symptoms are determined by the diagnoses of the disorder and if the disease is localized or systemic. If systemic, different organ systems will have a variety of different symptoms. Experiencing Raynaud's phenomenon is common. A person will have extreme cold in the extremities, including fingers and toes. Skin may begin to feel numb and purple. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another frequent symptom. A person may experience heartburn and have trouble absorbing nutrients from food. Skin changes include swollen fingers with thick patches of skin. Skin will appear stretched and tight around the mouth, hands and fingers.
Localized scleroderma has two specific symptoms. A person may experience morpheam, round scaly patches of skin that are white with a purple center. Striated skin may appear on the hands, legs and forearms.
Causes
A specific cause is unknown. However, medical professionals associate scleroderma with excess collagen production. Collagen is used to make up connective tissues in the body, including skin.
Risk Factors
Scleroderma is more prevalent in women than in men, appearing four times more. Choctaw Native Americans from Oklahoma are 20 times more likely to be diagnosed with scleroderma. African-Americans are prone to be diagnosed with systemic scleroderma affecting the lungs. The disorder is found in all age groups, but is more prevalent between the ages of 25 and 55.
Diagnosis
Blood tests will check for increased antibodies produced by the immune system. A tissue biopsy is taken. The small sample of skin will be taken to the lab to be examined for abnormalities. Depending on which organ is affected, additional testing may be required.
Treatment
There is no treatment to stop the body from overproducing collagen. Blood pressure medications are commonly used to dilate hardened arteries, and to relieve symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. Drugs similar to those taken by organ transplant patients are used to boost the immune system. Physical therapy is incorporated into a person's schedule to increase flexibility. Occupational therapy is used so a person can independently continue activities of daily living. Light therapy is preformed to eliminate or hide the skin patches associated with scleroderma. Amputation of fingers or toes due to Raynaud's phenomenon may be necessary. Some people with severe infected lungs may require a transplant.
