Scleroderma

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. Scleroderma 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.

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:

1. Shiny skin
2. Stiffened, curled fingers
3. Discolored skin
4. Pain in the joints
5. Skin itch
6. Shortness of breath
7. Fatigue http://www.curetogether.com/Scleroderma/symptoms/

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

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have scleroderma, please consult your doctor.

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