How does systemic scleroderma affect you?

In some people, scleroderma affects only the skin. But in many people, scleroderma also harms structures beyond the skin, such as blood vessels, internal organs and the digestive tract (systemic scleroderma). Signs and symptoms vary, depending on which type of scleroderma you have.

What does scleroderma do to a person?

Scleroderma is a long-lasting disease that affects your skin, connective tissue, and internal organs. It happens when your immune system causes your body to make too much of the protein collagen, an important part of your skin. As a result, your skin gets thick and tight, and scars can form on your lungs and kidneys.

Can you live a normal life with scleroderma?

Many people with scleroderma lead a normal, or near normal life, although most have to be careful to avoid cold environments. People who are more severely affected (for example those with lung involvement, or limitation in hand function) are often restricted in what they are able to do.

How bad is scleroderma?

Not only can it affect the skin, but it also can affect many internal organs, hindering digestive and respiratory functions, and causing kidney failure. Systemic scleroderma can sometimes become serious and life-threatening.

What is the difference between systemic sclerosis and scleroderma?

The word “scleroderma” means hard skin in Greek, and the condition is characterized by the buildup of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and other organs. The condition is also called systemic sclerosis because the fibrosis can affect organs other than the skin.

What is limited systemic scleroderma?

Limited systemic sclerosis (also known as sine scleroderma) is a type of systemic scleroderma that is characterized by Raynaud’s phenomenon and the buildup of scar tissue (fibrosis) on one or more internal organs but not the skin.

What are the symptoms of systemic scleroderma?

Symptoms of Systemic Sclerosis

• hair loss.
• calcium deposits, or white lumps under the skin.
• small, dilated blood vessels under the skin’s surface.
• joint pain.
• shortness of breath.
• a dry cough.
• diarrhea.
• constipation.

What is the difference between scleroderma and systemic sclerosis?

What foods should be avoided with scleroderma?

Avoid eating two to three hours before bed- time. Avoid foods that may aggra- vate symptoms such as citrus fruits, tomato products, greasy fried foods, coffee, garlic, onions, peppermint, gas-producing foods (such as raw peppers, beans, broccoli or raw onions), spicy foods, carbonated beverages and alcohol.

What causes progressive systemic scleroderma?

Causes of Systemic Sclerosis SS occurs when your body begins to overproduce collagen and it accumulates in your tissues. Collagen is the main structural protein that makes up all of your tissues. Doctors aren’t sure what causes the body to produce too much collagen. The exact cause of SS is unknown.

Does Vitamin D Help scleroderma?

Around 80 percent of scleroderma patients have a vitamin D deficiency. Taking a supplement could help with many of the symptoms associated with the disease.

Does scleroderma affect your hair?

A person who has Diffuse scleroderma may have areas of the skin that are lighter and darker. Some will lose hair, have dry skin and sweat less all due to changes in the skin. Diffuse scleroderma can cause changes to the gastrointestinal tract, heart, lung or kidneys.