Systemic sclerosis, usually referred to as scleroderma, is a collection of uncommon disorders that cause the skin to tighten and stiffen. Additionally, it could affect the digestive system, internal organs, and blood vessels.
Scleroderma is frequently labeled as "limited" or "diffuse," which merely describes how much skin is affected. Both forms may involve any other organ or vascular issues. Skin alone is impacted by localized scleroderma, commonly known as morphea.
Scleroderma has no known cure, but treatments can help lessen symptoms, stop the disease from getting worse, and improve quality of life.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of scleroderma differ from person to person based on the areas of the body that are affected.
Skin-related symptoms and signs
Almost all people with scleroderma notice that their skin becomes tighter and harder.
Most of the time, the fingers, hands, feet, and face are the first parts of the body to get sick. Forearms, upper arms, the chest, the abdomen, the lower legs, and the thighs can all experience skin thickening in some individuals. Itching and swelling are two early signs. Because of the tightness, affected skin may turn lighter or darker in color and appear glossy.
On their hands and faces, some people also have a condition known as telangiectasia, which causes tiny red dots. Bump formation can result from calcium deposits under the skin, especially at the fingertips.
Raynaud's syndrome
Scleroderma patients frequently have Raynaud's phenomenon, which is brought on by an incorrect and excessive contraction of the tiny blood vessels in their fingers and toes in response to cold or emotional stress. The digits may turn white, blue, or red and become painful or numb when this occurs. People without scleroderma can also have Raynaud's phenomenon.
Lung and heart issues
Scleroderma that affects the heart or lungs can result in shortness of breath, a diminished ability to tolerate physical activity, and dizziness. Scarring in the lung tissues brought on by scleroderma may eventually cause more and more breathlessness. There are drugs that could perhaps slow the development of this lung injury.
Scleroderma can also lead to an increase in blood pressure in the veins connecting the heart and lungs. The term for this is pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension can make it hard to breathe and cause fluid to build up in the legs, feet, and sometimes the area around the heart.
Affected with scleroderma, the heart may experience irregular heartbeats. Some people may also experience heart failure. DrLuigi medical footwear helps better blood circulation in the body and can alleviates the symptoms of Scleroderma.