Morphea Scleroderma: A Skin Disease

The United States alone has approximately 300,000 cases of scleroderma. Women are three times more prone to attracting this disease than men. This disease can develop at any age, although it is most likely to occur in middle aged people. This disease is chronic and often progressive. There are two common forms of scleroderma, localized, generalized, and the uncommon form guttate.

Causes

Scleroderma is not contagious or inherited and it can not be passed on from one generation to the next. Scleroderma is known to produce to much protein called collagen. When excess collagen deposits in the skin, this causes thickening and hardening of the skin.

Symptoms

Scleroderma Causes thickening, hardening and tightness of the skin, occurring on the face, hands and feet. Other symptoms include skin discoloration, numbness of extremities, and shiny skin. Lumps will occur under the skin and erupt into a chalky fluid. Fingers can stiffen and curl and become swollen. The knuckles and elbows can form ulcers on the outside of the joints. Weight loss, fatigue, and shortness of breath are other symptoms of scleroderma.

Localized Scleroderma does not affect any organs, it affects the skin in different areas of the body. This condition may also affect muscle and bone, this is called localized scleroderma. Localized scleroderma can last from a few months to many years. Generalized morphea can affect the entire skin surface.

Guttate Variety is an uncommon form of morphea; this condition causes chalk-white spots to appear on the skin. A violet, grayish, or brown circle may surround the spot. Guttate morphea mostly affects the shoulders, neck and chest although, it may affect other parts of the body.

Treatments

There is no known cure for scleroderma, although there are medications that you can take to help control the disease. These medications will help treat the skin as well. Aspirin or no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be use to treat the pain and swelling. When taking aspirin it must be taken in large doses. Antacids can be used to treat heart burn which will protect the esophagus. Scleroderma may cause high blood pressure; taking blood pressure medication will help reduce the levels of high blood pressure. You may also take antacids to decrease the acid within the stomach and improve motion in the intestines. People who have scleroderma should exercise daily to prevent contractures. These exercise are needed to improve overall health and fitness. Exercise will also help keep the skin and joints flexible.

Sources

HealthCentral.com: http://www.healthcentral.com/encyclopedia/408/37.html#causes