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Scleroderma Symptoms & Remedies

Scleroderma is a chronic skin disease that causes the skin, blood vessels and internal organs to thicken, harden or tighten. It is recognized as an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. This means that it occurs when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system.

When scar tissue forms on the skin and in the internal organs, it manifests itself as scleroderma. This causes the skin to thicken and become firm and rigid in certain body parts. Scleroderma is also termed as systemic sclerosis and consists of two major types:

• Localized scleroderma: This kind mainly affects the skin and is further divided into mainly two types:
• Morphia: This gives rise to hard, oval shaped whitish patches on the skin with a purple ring around them.
• Linear: These are distinctive for the lines or streaks of thickened skin which show up in the arms, legs or forehead.
• Generalized scleroderma: This kind of scleroderma affects several parts of the body. It is subdivided into two kinds of scleroderma
• Limited scleroderma: This form of generalized scleroderma occurs over time and later affects the oesophagus, lungs or intestines.
• Diffuse scleroderma: Unlike limited scleroderma, this form of generalized scleroderma works faster and thickens the skin all over the body, affecting the internal organs too.
• Causes: Although the cause is unknown, it is known that the body produces too much of a protein called collagen. Excess collagen is deposited causing thickening and hardening.
• Signs and symptoms:. Scleroderma can be identified for these symptoms: hardening and thickening of the skin; ulcers or sores on the fingers; loss of hair over affected area; change in skin color; swelling of the fingers and toes; shiny skin; disappearance of skin creases; toes and fingers become stiff.

It is also identified by Raynaud's Phenomenon, which includes poor blood flow to extremities; extremities are sensitive to cold due to emotional stress; telangiectasia or tiny blood vessels seen on the surface of the skin; calcinosis or white calcium lumps under the skin; arthritis and muscle weakness, dryness of eyes and mouth; digestive problems; heart and lung problems and kidney problems.

Treatment: Though there is no definite cure for scleroderma, a variety of drugs can help control it. These are: NSAIDs or aspirin for inflammation and pain, steroids to treat muscle or joint problems, antacids to reduce heartburn, medication to control blood pressure and to increase blood flow. Besides, exercise, protection of the joints and skin are helpful while stress management can help one cope with this chronic disease.

Alternative treatments: Dietary changes such as eating a high-fiber diet and nutritional supplements and antioxidant supplements such as selenium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and methionine are very helpful in treating scleroderma.

Home remedies: Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and halibut are very good in curing Raynaud's phenomenon and therefore should be taken regularly. Also, take Saint John's Wort, to cure you of anti-depressant properties.

You can also help yourself to keep away from scleroderma by keeping your body flexible and active, not smoking, avoid foods that give you heartburn or gas and protecting yourself from the cold. Follow these few home care tips and you should be able to keep scleroderma at bay.