In general, patients with limited scleroderma have a normal life expectancy. Some have problems with their GI tract, especially heartburn; severe Raynaud’s and musculoskeletal pain; and a small subset can develop pulmonary hypertension that can be life-threatening.
What is early scleroderma?
Scleroderma means “hard skin.” Early symptoms of scleroderma include changes in the fingers and hands, for example, stiffness, tightness, and puffiness because of sensitivity to cold or emotional stress. There may be swelling in the hands and feet, especially in the morning.
How long can you live with limited scleroderma?
People who have localized scleroderma may live an uninterrupted life with only minor symptom experiences and management. On the other hand, those diagnosed with an advanced and systemic version of the disease have a prognosis of anywhere from three to 15 years.
Can you have mild scleroderma?
The hallmarks of localized scleroderma are inflammation and thickening of the skin due to excessive levels of a structural protein called collagen. Localized scleroderma is relatively mild, and commonly affects only a few areas of the body — usually the skin or muscles. Internal organs are typically not affected.
Is limited scleroderma rare?
Scleroderma is a chronic but rare autoimmune disease in which normal tissue is replaced with thick tissue with extra collagen. Although it most often affects the skin, scleroderma also can affect many other parts of the body.
How common is limited scleroderma?
Approximately one in 10,000 individuals is affected. It is more common in women and most often develops around age 30 to 50. Systemic scleroderma can affect almost any organ in the body, and there is a large variability of symptoms among affected individuals.
What were your first symptoms of scleroderma?
Symptoms of scleroderma may include:
- Thickening and swelling of the fingers.
- Pale fingers that may become numb and tingle when exposed to cold or stress, known as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Joint pain.
- Taut, shiny, darker skin on large areas, which can cause problems with movement.
Where does scleroderma usually start?
Another early sign of systemic scleroderma is puffy or swollen hands before thickening and hardening of the skin due to fibrosis. Skin thickening usually occurs first in the fingers (called sclerodactyly) and may also involve the hands and face.
Can you live a full life with scleroderma?
Many people have a good scleroderma prognosis – they do not die of the disease and live a full and productive life. However, some people do die from scleroderma, for example those with severe lung, heart or kidney involvement.
How do you know if you have limited scleroderma?
They include:
- Tight, hardened skin. In limited scleroderma, skin changes typically affect only the lower arms and legs, including fingers and toes, and sometimes the face and neck.
- Raynaud’s phenomena.
- Red spots or lines on skin.
- Bumps under the skin.
- Swallowing difficulties.
How is limited scleroderma diagnosed?
It is a clinical diagnosis that requires a thorough exam and history by the doctor. The doctor will start by asking questions about symptoms and previous medical history. He or she will also do a physical exam and may order a biopsy to look at a small sample of the affected skin under a microscope.
How did your scleroderma start?
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes the abnormal collagen production to begin, but the body’s immune system appears to play a role. Most likely, scleroderma is caused by a combination of factors, including immune system problems, genetics and environmental triggers.
What is the prognosis for scleroderma?
There is no cure for scleroderma, but you can reduce damage from the disease with proper treatment. Since some types of scleroderma can cause serious damage to your internal organs, it is important to monitor your health and let your doctor know if you notice any new symptoms.
How to treat scleroderma naturally?
Vitamin D. People with systemic scleroderma often have low levels of vitamin D.
How does scleroderma begin?
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.
