Scleroderma typically starts with small areas of tightness and hardening of the skin, known as scleroderma lesions. These lesions often affect the face and hands, and later may also manifest on the feet, arms, legs, and torso.
Initially, the skin may experience thickening, discoloration, and decreased hair follicles or lack of sweating – this condition is known as cutaneous scleroderma. As the condition progresses, scleroderma can cause issues with blood vessels and internal organs, such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys due to Raynaud’s phenomenon that causes poor blood circulation.
Localized scleroderma is confined to the skin microvasculature and affected tissues, while systemic scleroderma involves smaller blood vessels and deep tissues. In addition to physical symptoms, scleroderma may also lead to fatigue, joint pain, and gastrointestinal issues.
What does early scleroderma feel like?
Early scleroderma is a type of autoimmune disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body. It can cause thickening and hardening of the skin, and can also affect other organs and systems. Early scleroderma is often accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, and the sensations that accompany it can vary from individual to individual.
Common symptoms that are associated with early-stage scleroderma include sensations of tingling, burning, and itching in the areas of the skin where the signs of the disease are present. Swelling and tightness of the skin can also create discomfort, as well as aching or stiffness in the joints.
In addition, some people with the condition may experience extreme sensitivity to cold temperature, or an odd sensation as if bugs are crawling on the skin. Some individuals also report fatigue, pain, and cramping in the muscles, along with numbness or discoloration in the fingertips.
While there are many possible symptoms associated with early scleroderma, not all individuals who are affected by it will experience the same range of symptoms. However, the primary sensation that is often reported is tightness and discomfort in the areas of involvement.
In some cases, the feelings may be mild, and in others may range from moderate to intense. Regardless, since early scleroderma can progress and worsen over time, it is very important to visit a healthcare professional as soon as any of these signs or symptoms are noticed.
What were your first signs of scleroderma?
My first signs of scleroderma were extremely itchy skin and intense fatigue, which began about a year ago. At first, I just thought I wasn’t getting enough sleep, but the fatigue only seemed to get worse.
Around the same time, my skin had areas of extreme itchiness—especially on my hands and feet—that would last for days. As a result, I found myself constantly scratching, which often resulted in a rash or redness on the affected areas.
Over time, my skin started to feel tight, even after I moisturized it, and it had a visible, leathery texture. Additionally, I began to notice that my fingertips had developed a strange white or purple hue, and that simple tasks like tying my shoes or buttoning my shirt became increasingly difficult.
All of these were signs of scleroderma, and after visiting a doctor, I was eventually diagnosed with the condition.
Can you have mild scleroderma?
Yes, it is possible to have mild scleroderma. Mild scleroderma is a variation of the autoimmune disorder known as systemic sclerosis (SSc). This disease leads to thickening and hardening of the skin due to overproduction of collagen in different parts of the body.
Mild cases of scleroderma are usually defined as having localized symptoms, such as skin hardening and fibrosis in most cases, but not systemic involvement. Symptoms of mild scleroderma can include localized symptoms such as swelling, tightness, and itching.
In rare cases, this may also include Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is a narrowing of the fingers and toes in response to cold temperatures. Other symptoms can include gastrointestinal problems, problems with swallowing, and general fatigue.
Treatment for mild scleroderma is usually focused on easing symptoms and preventing further progression of the disease. Treatment may include physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation, drugs to suppress the immune system, and lifestyle modifications, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet.
How quickly does scleroderma progress?
Scleroderma is a progressive condition that generally progresses slowly over time, with periods of flare-ups and remission. The rate at which scleroderma progresses can vary widely, ranging from months in severe cases to years in mild cases.
A person’s overall health, age, and the type of scleroderma they have can also affect the rate.
It is important to note that while scleroderma can progress slowly over many years, it is not necessarily a quiet disease. Even with mild symptoms, it can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life.
It can be unpredictable and sometimes even the mildest cases can rapidly worsen. Additionally, complications of scleroderma, such as organ and tissue damage, may develop quickly and can threaten a person’s life.
Therefore, it is important for those with scleroderma to be monitored regularly by their healthcare provider and receive appropriate care to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of further progression.
How do I know if I have systemic scleroderma?
Systemic scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes your body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues and organs. It can cause many different symptoms ranging from skin changes to organ damage.
In order to know if you have systemic scleroderma, it is important to visit your physician for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. During this appointment, your physician will review your medical history, do a physical examination, and conduct laboratory and imaging tests as needed to rule out other medical conditions.
These tests may include bloodwork, urine tests, X-rays, and CT scans to detect any signs of changes in your internal organs. Your physician may also perform a skin biopsy to check for changes in areas of the skin that are most commonly affected.
Once a diagnosis of systemic scleroderma is made, you will be referred for additional care and treatment with a rheumatologist, who specializes in inflammatory, autoimmune, and musculoskeletal disease.
It is important to note that systemic scleroderma can vary from person to person, making it difficult to diagnose, and it can take several months to complete all of the tests needed to confirm a diagnosis.
How do you rule out scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause thickening and hardening of the skin. It is not yet curable, but identifying and ruling out the condition is key to managing it. In order to rule out scleroderma, your doctor or healthcare provider will likely perform a physical examination of your skin, order blood tests, and ask a variety of questions about your health history.
During the physical examination, they will look for features that are associated with scleroderma, such as localized areas of stiffness or changes in the skin. They will also feel your pulse and check your reflexes to assess any skin thickening.
Blood tests can help to monitor and evaluate which areas of your body may be affected by scleroderma. This can include tests that measure specific proteins, like antinuclear antibodies (ANA) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, also known as a sed rate).
These are proteins that are commonly associated with autoimmune disorders like scleroderma.
Your healthcare provider may also ask about your medical history, such as specific illnesses or medications you might be taking, as well as past exposures to toxins or chemicals. They may also ask about any symptoms you have or any changes in your skin.
Ultimately, your healthcare provider will work with you to decide the best course of action, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, and physical therapies. The key is to rule out scleroderma and the best way to do that is to be tested and evaluated by a qualified medical professional.
What test confirms scleroderma?
There is no single test that can confirm a diagnosis of scleroderma, as the condition can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms and vary greatly from person to person. A variety of tests may be used to help confirm a diagnosis of scleroderma, including:
• Physical exam: The doctor may examine the affected areas for signs of skin thickening, discoloration and/or scarring. They may also take note of any swelling of the joints, fingers, or toes.
• Blood tests: To measure levels of hormones, antibodies,, blood vessels and other body components.
• X-rays: To assess for changes in the bones and joints.
• Skin biopsy: To examine the skin under a microscope and look for signs of skin thickening.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To monitor changes in the body caused by scleroderma.
• Pulmonary function tests: to assess lung function and identify any changes in the lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To monitor electrical activity of the heart.
• Echocardiogram: To assess the heart’s structure and function.
• Barium swallow: To assess for changes in the esophagus, such as narrowing.
• Gastric emptying scans: To see how quickly food passes through the stomach.
• Tests to assess kidney and bladder function.
The combination of physical exam, blood tests, X-rays, and other tests can help physicians to confirm the diagnosis of scleroderma.
Can scleroderma be detected in blood test results?
Yes, scleroderma can be detected in blood test results. Specifically, blood tests can measure an antibody known as antinuclear antibodies (ANA) which are often associated with scleroderma and other autoimmune conditions.
Other tests for scleroderma include CBC (complete blood count) which looks at the concentration of red and white blood cells, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) which is used to measure inflammation in the body, creatinine and C-reactive protein levels, liver function tests and kidney function tests.
Other tests may include ultrasounds, chest X-rays, or biopsies of the skin, where a small sample is taken under the microscope to confirm scleroderma.
What can mimic systemic scleroderma?
Systemic scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the buildup of excess collagen beneath the skin as well as hardening and tightening of organs, cells, and tissues. It can cause inflammation, damage, and dysfunction of the affected tissues.
The cause of systemic scleroderma is not known, and there is no known cure.
Several conditions may mimic systemic scleroderma, or have overlapping features that can be hard to differentiate from systemic scleroderma. These include: localized scleroderma, overlap syndrome (mixed systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus), Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition characterized by spasms of small arteries when exposed to cold or stress), eosinophilic fasciitis (also known as Shulman’s syndrome), and myositis ossificans (the transformation of soft tissue, usually muscle, into bone).
In some cases, antisynthetase syndrome, which is the combination of inflammatory myositis plus interstitial lung disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon and mechanic’s hands, may also mimic systemic scleroderma.
The only sure way to diagnose systemic scleroderma is by a physical exam to check for areas of hardened skin, as well as blood tests, imaging tests, and additional laboratory tests. It is also important to note that drugs like penicillamine, procainamide, cisplatin, and phenytoin have been linked to the development of scleroderma-like conditions.
Lastly, certain bacteria, viruses and fungi have been implicated in secondary causes of connective tissue disease that may result in skin and organ sclerosis.
Does scleroderma come on suddenly?
No, scleroderma does not typically come on suddenly. It is generally considered a chronic, long-term condition that develops over time. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder, and is characterized by the hardening and tightening of skin tissues.
Symptoms usually start out mild, but progressively get worse over time. Common early signs include fatigue, dry skin, and swelling of the hands and feet. As the condition progresses, patients may experience potential joint contractures, digestive problems, and stiff limbs.
In order to slow the progression of the disease, it is important to see a doctor so they can create an individualized treatment plan.
Can scleroderma stop progressing?
Yes, it’s possible for scleroderma to stop progressing. Treatment for scleroderma focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing or slowing down the progression of the disorder. Treatment may include medicines to reduce inflammation, help slow joint damage, and/or suppress the immune system.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy may also be recommended to help improve or maintain mobility, flexibility, and strength. In addition, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding cold temperatures and activity modifications may help.
In some cases, the condition may stabilize in milder forms of scleroderma and the patient can maintain that level of symptoms. In other cases, the disease can progress even with treatment, so it is important to closely monitor symptoms and response to treatment.
Is scleroderma considered a terminal illness?
No, scleroderma is not considered to be a terminal illness. Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body produces too much of a certain type of collagen, leading to thickening and hardening of connective tissues.
While the disease can be life-threatening, with proper treatment, people with scleroderma can lead healthy, active lives. An estimated 300,000 people in the United States are living with scleroderma, and with the right care and support, many of these individuals have been living with the condition for years.
The prognosis for those living with scleroderma depends on the type of scleroderma they have and the severity of their symptoms, but with proper medical care, it is possible to lead a long and healthy life.
What happens if you dont treat scleroderma?
If scleroderma is not treated, the condition can progress, leading to increasingly more damage to the skin and other organs. Left untreated, the skin on the face, hands, and feet can become severely thickened and tight.
This can lead to significant disability, including joint contractures and skin ulcers. Without treatment, scleroderma may also spread to the internal organs and cause significant damage to the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Additionally, without treatment, scleroderma can lead to other health complications such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, arthritis, and gastrointestinal problems. Treatment is available to help manage the symptoms and slow disease progression, so patients should not hesitate to seek medical attention in order to reduce their risk of long-term complications.
How is systemic scleroderma diagnosed?
Systemic scleroderma is typically diagnosed based on the presence of several signs and symptoms, as well as tests to rule out other diagnoses such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. While there is no single test that can diagnose systemic scleroderma, doctors will typically look for common signs and symptoms such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, skin changes such as areas of hardening and tightening on the skin, changes to the fingers or toes, or muscle weakness.
Because systemic scleroderma can affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive tract, or other organs, a doctor may order tests to examine the function of these organs, such as a CT scan, X-ray, or echocardiogram.
Blood tests may also be used to look for certain markers or antibodies, such as ANA, RF (rheumatic factor), and Scl-70. These tests are used to measure the amount of antibodies in the blood, and can help to further narrow down a diagnosis.
In addition, a doctor may order a skin biopsy to take a closer look at the abnormal skin changes that may be present with systemic scleroderma. During this procedure, a small piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope for signs of scleroderma such as an increased number of collagen fibers and immune cells.
Finally, a doctor may also perform a physical examination to look for visible changes in the skin, joints, muscles, or other organs. If any of the signs and symptoms unusual or concerning, they may refer a patient to a specialist to further investigate the cause of their symptoms.