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- Two main types: Localized and systemic
- 300,000 cases in the [[United States|US], affecting 1 per 1000 people]Scleroderma Foundation: What Is Scleroderma?
- Synonym: CREST syndrome
- Commonly begins between 30 to 50 yearsScleroderma Foundation: What Is Scleroderma?
- 80% of cases are womenScleroderma Foundation: What Is Scleroderma?
- Chemotherapy treatment: Results in temporary remission, but has side effects
- Not contagious or cancerous
- Stress reduction: Helps with pain reduction and stress scleroderma.jhmi.edu/patients/pdf/sclero...
- Biofeedback: Documented by research to help with Raynaud's Syndrome http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/biofe...
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Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the connective tissue causing, in localized scleroderma, hardening of the connective tissue and the skin. This disease can also be systemic, affecting blood vessels, muscles, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart and joints. The hardening of the tissue is caused by the overproduction of collagen. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scleroderma/DS00362/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs The tendency to get this disease seems to be hereditary. An associated disease with this condition is Raynauds Syndrome
This page on scleroderma covers the symptoms of the disease, treatments and various facts related to its occurrence. You will find a featured video by someone who has this condition, relevant links, blogs and news sections for more information. If you have a question, please ask in the box provided on the right side of the page and someone will help answer at Mahalo.
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Symptoms
Common symptoms include a numb sensation or discoloring of the fingers and other extremities from cold, swelling or stiffness of joints, sores along the joints, swollen hands or feet and digestive problems. In some cases, respiration may be difficult. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scleroderma/DS00362/DSECTION=symptoms Other symptoms that are common include:- Shiny skin
- Stiffened, curled fingers
- Discolored skin
- Pain in the joints
- Skin itch
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue http://www.curetogether.com/Scleroderma/symptoms/
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Treatment
There are no cures for this disease, but there are ways to reduce the pain and help with some of the symptoms. Covering the hands to protect them and keep them warm is common in the case of Raynaud's syndrome. Low doses of aspirin are often administered to prevent clots. Other medications can be prescribed to t suppress the immune system and dilate blood vessels. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scleroderma/DS00362/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Relaxation methods and meditation have been shown to help deal with the pain and fatigue]]. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scleroderma/DS00362/DSECTION=alternative-medicine <ref> Published research on herbal remedies for this disease are virtually nonexistent. Some have used vitamin E, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), evening primrose oil, and extracts of avocado and soybean supplements <ref>http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_investigative_alternative_treatments_scleroderma_000088_9.htm Chinese herbology has a complex program for scleroderma treatment and taoist moving forms of meditation such as qigong and tai chi may help increase blood circulation and reduce pain. Testimonials on the web claim the ability to improvement health for sufferers of scleroderma using both tai chi and qigong. http://stanford.wellsphere.com/general-medicine-article/woman-combines-modern-medicine-human-spirit-to-beat-scleroderma/796133 http://www.qinway.org/qigong-testimonial.htm/ref? Thermal biofeedback is a medically common treatment for Raynaud's Syndrome. <ref> http://www.itmonline.org/arts/scleroderma.htm You can find other remedies that people have used on the sclero.org site. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scleroderma/DS00362
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The Scleroderma Experience
Mary Charlotte, 17, explains her initial experience with this disease and the effects it has had on her and her family. The disease initially began a ... read moreMary Charlotte, 17, explains her initial experience with this disease and the effects it has had on her and her family. The disease initially began as a brown mark on a finger and then spread upwards. It did not respond to antibiotic therapy. She speaks of her fears, uncertainty, hopes for future research on the disease, the effects it has had on her father (a doctor) and siblings. The symptoms that she experiences, at the onset stage may be different that those experienced by someone who is further along since acquiring this syndrome. She speaks of the chemotherapy treatments as being almost as bad as the disease, having many side effects including nausea and fatigue.
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Scleroderma Questions
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What is scleroderma, symptoms and treatment? Any home remedies that help? 1 AnswerScleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the connective tissue in the body. Hardening and tightening of the connective tissues and skin... read more
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Scleroderma Discussion and Blogs
- Yahoo! Health: Support for Families
- I Have Scleroderma: By People with Scleroderma, for People with Scleroderma
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Featured Mahalo Topics
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On Twitter powered by Twitter
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@bobsaget thanks for what you do for scleroderma.
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RT @Bluesky107: RT @Care_Aware: This is Raynaud's Awareness Month in the UK. Raynaud's & Scleroderma Assoc. #FF @rayn... www.raynauds.org.uk
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Rituximab Shows Promise in Scleroderma (Lung and skin disease) http://bit.ly/crxaIB
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This Thursday the 11th at DNA2050Chicago come to "Share the Love"... RSVP at www.scleroderma.org/chapter/illinois
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Eating purple cow milka to help me through the shock. Thinks a double scotch would hit the spot better. However. Back to scleroderma.
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