Scleroderma - a diffuse disease of connective tissue, in which scar tissue is deposited in separate areas of the skin, and sometimes throughout the skin.
This disease is divided into two types: focal and systemic scleroderma. The most dangerous is the latter. Women are several times more likely to suffer from this disease.
Systemic scleroderma is a progressive disease with a characteristic change in the skin, musculoskeletal system and internal organs. The basis of the disease is an inflammatory lesion of the small vessels of the whole body.
Scleroderma - causes
It is possible that scleroderma has a genetic predisposition. But proven external factors are:
- body hypothermia
- vibrations on in industrial activity
- infections of the nervous system that have been previously transferred.
- effects on the body of toxic substances.
Scleroderma - Symptoms
- damage to the skin, musculoskeletal system and absolutely all internal organs, since each of them consists of connective tissue.
- deterioration of the sensitivity of the fingers and toes, their numbness and colder.
- more dead than skin areas leading to gangrene.
- the patient's face becomes like a mask that has the color of ivory.
- vascular mobility is limited, and as a result, the appearance of pain in the patient.
- red spots appear on the skin of the upper and lower extremities, the so-called "spider veins", they are areas of capillary expansion.
Scleroderma - diagnosis
The main criteria for diagnostic features:
1. Scleroderma skin lesion. The usual epidermal syndrome is combined with its pigmentation.
2. Raynaud's syndrome.
3. Lesions of the digestive tract.
4.Increased ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
5. Hypergammaglobulinemia with elevated levels of IgG.
In many patients with scleroderma, anemia is detected, with a deficiency of iron and vitamin B12, as well as kidney damage.
An important value in the diagnosis is an analysis of autoantibodies.
Scleroderma - treatment and prevention
Patients with scleroderma should try to avoid stressful situations and severe hypothermia, because there is a spasm of blood vessels, and in the affected areas is reduced even more. It is advisable to wear warm and comfortable clothes and shoes that are made of their high-quality natural materials. It is necessary to identify and treat foci of inflammation with antimicrobials. In this case, the unsystematic use of antibiotics is strictly prohibited, which can cause serious adverse reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, liver damage and impaired blood composition.
The patient may be prescribed nicotinic acid, as a vasodilator, necessary in the affected areas to improve blood circulation. Lidase and aloe extract are used for the quickest resorption of foci of inflammation, as well as for densification of connective tissue. For general strengthening of the body’s health, the doctor prescribes vitamins, the B vitamins are especially useful for scleroderma
For the prevention of scleroderma, proper rational nutrition of healthy foods, hardening of the body is necessary. It is necessary to exclude smoking and alcohol. Avoid overcooling, severe overwork of the body. Prevention of scleroderma is also the rational employment of people who have suspicions regarding this disease.
If you suspect scleroderma, you need the prompt involvement of specialists in this field. Doctors should pay attention not only to the overall picture of the disease, but also to the primary symptoms.
