DEFINITION

Scleroderma is a disperse connective tissue disorder characterized by changes in the skin, skeletal muscles,blood vessels and inner organs.

SYMPTOMS

There are many symptoms related to this disorder like blueness and redness of fingers and toes in response to cold and heat. Swelling of fingers and joints, pain, stiffness, skin becomes hard, Feels difficulty in swallowing, Diarrhea, Constipation.
Some additional symptoms are also related to this disease like Wrist pain, Joint pain, Wheezing, Hair loss, Eye burning, Itching and sometimes skin abnormally become light or dark.

CAUSES

The reason of this disease is unknown. The disease produces local or complete symptoms. The severity of the disease varies widely.

Excess collagen collects in the skin and the symptoms are produced by other organs. Small blood vessels are damaged within the skin and affected organs. Ulceration, Calcification, and changes in pigmentation may occur in the skin.

The victim of this disease usually affects people of 30 to 50 years old. Women are affected more than men. Silica dust and Polyvinyl chloride( PVC) can create risk factor for this disease.

TREATMENT

Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the medicines that treat inflammation and pain. Antacids or intestinal motility medicine for heartburn and related symptoms, and blood pressure medications (specially ACE inhibitors) for hypertension or kidney problems.Treatment generally includes a mixture ssssof physical therapy and skin and joint protection techniques.