Scleroderma
What is scleroderma?
Scleroderma – Scleroderma or Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses which occur when the body’s tissues are attacked by its own immune system, this is different to Genetic mosaicism. Scleroderma is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and organs of the body. This leads to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma, when it’s diffuse or widespread over the body, is also referred to as systemic sclerosis.
Scleroderma symptoms
- Finger become very pale, as the blood flow is cut off, they turn a bluish color, usually in the top two sections of the second and third fingers, finally, when blood flow returns, the fingers become red
- Tingling and pain may occur in the affected regions
- Bone loss in the fingers
- Muscles weakness may occur, especially near the shoulder and hip
- The skin begins to thicken and harden on the hands, feet, and face. The fingers may swell. This condition is called sclerodactylia or acrosclerosis
- Thickened or hardened patches on other areas of the body may also develop. (Their appearance on the trunk and near the elbows or knees tends to be a sign of a more severe condition.)
- For the first 2 or 3 years, the skin continues to thicken and feel puffy
- This process then stops, and can even get better, skin may soften
- As the disease progresses further, however, the skin loses its ability to stretch, and becomes shiny as it tightens across the underlying bone, particularly in the fingers, toes, and around the mouth
- Fingers may lose the ability to move, and can be difficult to bend
- The hands and feet may curl from the tightness of the skin
- Difficult to open the mouth widely
- shortness of breath or difficulty in taking deep breaths
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