Systemic scleroderma: the body hurts itself

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of a chronic nature that manifests itself in abnormal compaction of the skin. The word "scleroderma" is Greek and literally means "hard skin", although this disorder affects not only the skin, but the entire connective tissue of the internal organs.

The causes of the onset of this disease are not yet known to science, but all doctors agree that collagen, which begins to be produced by the body of the patient in excess of the required amount, is to blame. That's why scleroderma is often called a disease in which the body harms itself.

Forms of scleroderma

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, this disease most often affects women. However, it also occurs in men. Patients often get an incorrect diagnosis, sometimes for many years, because the symptoms of scleroderma in each individual case manifest themselves in different ways and in varying degrees.

Systemic scleroderma is distinguished by the rapid development of skin tightening. It begins with the face and hands and later spreads to the trunk and hands. It is this form of the disease that increases the risk of damage to internal organs even at the earliest 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 arises - a violation of the blood supply to the fingers and toes, resulting in the fingers becoming white in the cold, then turn red and turn blue. It causes bouts of severe pain.

Like rheumatoid arthritis and skin tuberculosis, which are considered related to scleroderma pathologies, it is accompanied by strong painful sensations. These pains, as well as fatigue, are often hidden from others.

Systemic scleroderma - treatment and support of relatives

Sadly, but to date, no form of scleroderma can not be treated. All that science has achieved is some relief of the patient's condition with the help of certain drugs and medical procedures. To alleviate the suffering of a person who has received a formidable diagnosis of "systemic scleroderma," it is important to know what the patient feels and try to support him in the fight against the disease.

Firstly, because it is difficult to diagnose in the early stages, the patient often faces a misunderstanding from the family and friends. Seeing how in their body inexplicable changes occur, patients feel fear, anxiety, helplessness and loneliness.

Secondly, the one who has systemic scleroderma will inevitably face losses, limitations and changes in several areas of his life. The patient inexorably loses his independence, from which his self-respect will suffer. Professional activity ceases, and personal life also changes for the worse. Communication with other people is difficult, 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 constant love and support and to explain to him that his painful feelings are a natural reaction to the disease.

Those who have systemic scleroderma, it is important to remember that not everything is as gloomy as they can imagine. And although they have a valid reason for sad thoughts, but it is not necessary to succumb to despair and a feeling of despair!