Scleroderma, also known as the CREST Syndrome, is a rare disease.long-lasting diseasethat affects our skin, connective tissue, and internal organs and is brought on by an overproduction of the protein collagen, a component of our skin, by our immune system. As a result, scars can develop on our lungs and kidneys, and our skin becomes thick and tight.
SYMPTOMS OF SCLERODERMA
While some scleroderma types manifest quickly, limited scleroderma signs and symptoms typically appear over time and include:
Tight, hardened skin-Skin can look shiny from being pulled taut over underlying bone in limited scleroderma, making it difficult to bend fingers or open the mouth, and usually only the lower arms and legs, including fingers and toes, and occasionally the face and neck.
In most people, the skin turns white before turning blue, cold, and numb due to Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is caused when small blood vessels in fingers and toes spasm in reaction to cold or emotional stress, obstructing the flow of blood.
Raynaud’s phenomenon is frequently the first sign of limited scleroderma, but many people who have it never progress to the condition. When circulation improves, the skin typically reddens and may throb or tingle.
Small red spots or lines on the skin (telangiectasias) are caused by swollen, painless blood vessels close to the skin’s surface and are most common on the hands and face.
Bumps under the skin-You can see and feel these calcium deposits (calcinosis), which can occasionally be tender or become infected, develop under our skin, primarily on our elbows, knees, and fingers, as a result of limited scleroderma.
Swallowing difficulties-The muscles in the upper and lower esophagus may not function properly, which can make swallowing challenging and allow stomach acids to back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, inflammation, and scarring of esophageal tissues. Limited scleroderma is a common cause of problems with the tube that connects the mouth and stomach (esophagus).
CAUSES OF SCLERODERMA
The cause of limited scleroderma is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s immune system rebels against itself.
RISK FACTORS
- Sex-Limited scleroderma affects women much more frequently than it affects men.
- Age-Ages 30 to 50 are when limited scleroderma most frequently occurs.
- Blacks and Native Americans in the US tend to have limited scleroderma that is more severe than that of white people.
- Genetic factors: Our risk of developing limited scleroderma is increased if a family member suffers from an autoimmune disorder like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Hashimoto’s disease.
- Toxin exposure: In people with a genetic propensity for the condition, exposure to some toxic substances, such as polyvinyl chloride, benzene, silica, and trichloroethylene, may result in the onset of scleroderma.
COMPLICATIONS OF SCLERODERMA
The most serious complications of limited scleroderma typically occur beneath the skin, but the visible signs of tight, thick skin on our fingers, hands, and face can change our appearance, make routine tasks like opening a jar or shaving more difficult, and affect speech.
Constipation, diarrhea, post-meal bloating, unintended weight loss, and malnutrition can all be caused by limited scleroderma, as can changes in the way esophageal muscles function, which can make swallowing difficult and cause chronic heartburn.
In addition, abnormal or narrowed blood vessels combined with severe Raynaud’s phenomena can result in gangrene of the fingers or toes, which may necessitate amputation. **Ulcers on fingers and toes-**Severe Raynaud’s phenomena can obstruct blood flow to your fingers and toes, causing ulcers that can be difficult to heal.
Limited scleroderma can harm our lungs in a number of ways, including stiffening and impairing lung function when too much collagen builds up in the tissue separating the lungs’ air sacs.
The heart has to work harder and eventually becomes weaker due to elevated blood pressure in the arteries connecting the heart and lungs.
Heart problems-Arrhythmias, abnormal heart rhythms, and myocarditis are all conditions that can result from scarring of the heart tissue.
The first sign of kidney damage may be high blood pressure. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys can cause renal crises, which if left untreated can result in kidney failure. Kidney damage is more common in other forms of scleroderma, but it can also occur in limited scleroderma.
Dental problems-Acid reflux can erode tooth enamel, changes in gum tissue may result in teeth becoming loose or even falling out, and severe facial skin tightening may make it difficult to open our mouth wide enough to brush our teeth.
Limited scleroderma may result in extremely dry mouth and eyes.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR SCLERODERMA
Homeopathy heals and aids in the restoration of healthy skin; it treats the person as a whole; it is a constitutional form of medicine, which means that it treats the patient as a whole person in addition to his or her pathological condition; it balances the energy system, enhances immunity and body functions; and it naturally treats the underlying cause of disorder.
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