June is Scleroderma Awareness Month. Scleroderma is a rare disease. The theme for this year’s awareness month is “Know Scleroderma.” Because this disease can be life threatening or life changing. The National Scleroderma Foundation is trying to get everyone to Know what Scleroderma is and become aware of it’s features.
Scientists don’t know what causes Scleroderma and there is no cure for this terrible disease. The National Scleroderma Foundation leads in providing research to find better treatments and a cure.
“Scleroderma is a rare rheumatic disease that affects connective tissue and the vascular system producing excessive collagen that causes fibrosis in the skin (localized) or in internal organs (systemic sclerosis). The result can be disfigurement and disability, and for some it’s life-threatening. The cause is unknown and there is no cure.” https://scleroderma.org/understanding-scleroderma/
What type of doctor treats Scleroderma? a rheumatologist
Who can get Scleroderma? Anyone: Adults or children. African Americans may have higher numbers. About 300,000 people in the US have this disease.
What are the types of Scleroderma? Localized, Morphea, and Linear
Scleroderma can cause the skin to thicken or harden, but it can also affect the internal organs. With limited scleroderma, the progression of the disease is more mild.
This Page will show you the symptoms of this rare collective tissue disease. You can click on all the different parts of the body to see what symptoms will affect each part. This has been classified as an autoimmune disease. When I was being tested for Sjogren’s Syndrome, one of my doctors had me take some screening tests for Scleroderma. I was really afraid, but I didn’t have this disease.
The damage to the Vascular System is permanent and you’ll see the diagram of the human vascular system. This disease causes vascular injury and this injury can not be repaired.
To learn all the facts and to “Know Scleroderma” check out the website of the National Scleroderma Foundation to learn to be aware and to see how you can help.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical expert. This post contains my experiences and opinions and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physicians.
@2022, copyright, Lisa Ehrman
