Researches Looking For Clues In Scleroderma Fight
BACKGROUND: Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue, or the fibers that provides the framework and support for your body. Scleroderma is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and organs of the body. This leads to thickness and firmness of involved areas. There are two main types. Localized scleroderma affects only your skin. Systemic scleroderma also harms internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and digestive tract. (Source: Mayoclinic.com)
DESCRIPTION: Scientists estimate about 250 people per million have some form of scleroderma. In other words, just about 300 thousand people have been diagnosed nationwide, but 85 percent of cases are women. Although the disease can develop at any age, it most frequently appears in the third to fifth decades of life. Scleroderma can run in families, but in most cases it occurs without any known family tendency for the disease. Scleroderma isn’t considered contagious, but it can greatly affect self-esteem and the ability to accomplish everyday tasks.
SYMPTOMS:
· Gradual hardening, thickening, and tightening of the skin
· Most commonly found in extremities such as hands, face, and feet
· Skin discoloration
· Numbness of extremities
· Shiny skin
· Small white lumps under the surface of the skin that erupt into a chalky white fluid
· Raynaud’s phenomenon
· Telangiectasia (red spots on the hands, palms, forearms, face, and lips)
· Stiffening and curling of the fingers
DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS: The diagnosis of scleroderma is made by a medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests may include skin biopsy (removal of a sample of skin for examination) in addition to various blood tests. Currently, there is no cure for scleroderma and treatment involves alleviating specific symptoms associated with scleroderma. (Source: Medicinenet.com)
* For More Information, Contact:
Maureen Mayes, MD, MPH
Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Texas Houston Health Science Center
Phone: (713) 500-6905
E-mail: Maureen.D.Mayes@uth.tmc.edu
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