Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of a chronic nature, which manifests itself in an abnormal compaction of the skin. The word "scleroderma" is Greek and literally means "hard skin", although this disorder affects not only the skin, but also the entire connective tissue of the internal organs.
The causes of this disease to science are not yet known, but all doctors agree that the collagen, which begins to be produced by the patient’s body in excess of what is needed, is to blame. That is why scleroderma is often called a disease in which the body harms itself.
Scleroderma Forms
Scleroderma takes a wide variety of forms, but most often doctors diagnose two of its main types:
• systemic scleroderma (diffuse);
• limited scleroderma.
Systemic scleroderma is the most severe and poorly treatable form of this disease.
Systemic scleroderma - symptoms and manifestation
As a rule, women most often suffer from this disease. However, it also occurs in men. Patients are often diagnosed incorrectly, sometimes over the years, because the symptoms of scleroderma in each individual case manifest themselves in different ways and to different degrees.
Systemic scleroderma is characterized by the rapid development of skin tightening. It begins with the face and hands and later extends to the body and arms. It is this form of the disease that increases the risk of damage to internal organs at an early stage of the disease. Inflammation of the muscles, swelling of the feet and hands - these are additional symptoms that develop against the background of ubiquitous skin tightening. Often there are problems in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it is much worse if the disease affects the heart, lungs or kidneys. The vascular system is affected and Raynaud's syndrome occurs - a violation of the blood supply to the toes and hands, as a result of which, in the cold, the fingers turn white, then red and blue. This causes bouts of severe pain.
Like rheumatoid arthritis and skin tuberculosis, which are considered related pathologies of scleroderma, it is accompanied by severe pain. These pains, as well as fatigue, are often hidden from others.
Systemic scleroderma - treatment and support for loved ones
Sadly, to date, not a single form of scleroderma is treatable. All that science has achieved is some relief of the patient’s condition with the help of some drugs and medical procedures. To alleviate the suffering of a person who is diagnosed with a formidable "systemic scleroderma", it is important to know how the patient feels and try to support him in the fight against the disease.
Firstly, due to the fact that it is difficult to diagnose in the early stages, the patient often faces misunderstanding on the part of family and friends. Seeing how inexplicable changes occur in their body, patients feel fear, anxiety, helplessness and loneliness.
Secondly, one who has systemic scleroderma will inevitably face losses, limitations and changes in several areas of his life at once. The patient inexorably loses independence, from which his self-esteem will suffer. Professional activity ceases, and personal life also changes for the worse. Communication with other people is hindered, and family responsibilities fall on the shoulders of others. All this upsets and upsets the patient. Therefore, it is important to assure such a person of his unchanging love and support and to explain to him that his painful feelings are a natural reaction to the disease.
Those with systemic scleroderma, it is important to remember that not everything is as gloomy as they can imagine. And although they have a good reason for sad thoughts, it is not necessary to succumb to despair and feelings of hopelessness!