What are the stages of scleroderma?

Cutaneous involvement has 3 phases: (1) edematous, (2) indurative, and (3) atrophic. Skin becomes thickened and tight.

How quickly does scleroderma progress?

In our cohort, 56% of observed progression occurred within 5 years since the first non-Raynaud symptom. While progression in skin involvement occurred more frequently in early disease, the proportion of patients with lung, heart or GI progression was relatively stable over time.

What are the end stages of scleroderma?

This type of scleroderma is typically accompanied by shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and the inability to perform routine physical activities. End-stage scleroderma often causes pulmonary fibrosis and/or pulmonary hypertension, both of which can be life-threatening.

Where does scleroderma usually start?

The first parts of the body to be affected are usually the fingers, hands, feet and face. In some people, the skin thickening can also involve the forearms, upper arms, chest, abdomen, lower legs and thighs. Early symptoms may include swelling and itchiness.

Does scleroderma progress slowly?

Afterwards, it can take months to years for the full extent of the disease to develop. In many patients, it remains being mild and does not progress. In general, the more skin that is involved, the more severe the case of scleroderma.

An Overview of Scleroderma Part 1: Breaking it down

Does scleroderma cause weight gain?

Acute localized scleroderma (morphea) can present as severe generalized oedema with rapid weight gain and oliguria.

What should I avoid with scleroderma?

REFLUX/HEARTBURN: eat small frequent meals to avoid overfilling your stomach; avoid eating within 2-3 hours of bedtime; avoid foods that may aggravate symptoms such as citrus fruits, tomato products, greasy fried foods, coffee, garlic, onions, peppermint, gas-producing foods (such as raw peppers, beans, broccoli, raw ...

What can trigger scleroderma?

Researchers suspect that exposure to some environmental factors, such as viruses or chemicals, may trigger scleroderma. Immune system changes. Abnormal immune or inflammatory activity in your body triggers cell changes that cause the production of too much collagen.

What does a scleroderma flare feel like?

Common symptoms of scleroderma may include painful joints (arthralgia), morning stiffness, fatigue, and/or weight loss. The intermittent loss (triggered by cold temperatures) of blood supply to the fingers, toes, nose, and/or ears (Raynaud's phenomenon) is an early and frequent complaint of people with scleroderma.

Does scleroderma affect the legs?

Linear scleroderma can affect the bones and the muscles. When linear scleroderma appears on the arms or legs, it can cause the child's limb to under develop, causing disability.

What is the life expectancy of a person with scleroderma?

Over 30 years, the mean age of death improved from 66.4 to 74.5 years (P < 0.001). Duration of disease improved from 12.1 to 22.9 years (P < 0.001).

Is scleroderma always fatal?

It is the most fatal of all the rheumatologic diseases. Systemic scleroderma is very unpredictable although most cases can be classified into one of four different general patterns of disease (see Classification).

What is the survival rate of scleroderma?

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) runs a variable course. A review of 11 studies, totalling over 2000 patients, revealed 5-year cumulative survival rates ranging from 34 to 73 per cent, with a mean of 68 per cent [I]. Organ failure is generally regarded as the major cause of death in this disease.

Is scleroderma worse than lupus?

— Worse than in rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have worse health-related quality of life than patients with other systemic rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a Korean study found.

What type of scleroderma is fatal?

Diffuse scleroderma

As its name implies, this form affects many parts of the body. Not only can it affect the skin, but it also can affect many internal organs, hindering digestive and respiratory functions, and causing kidney failure. Systemic scleroderma can sometimes become serious and life-threatening.

Is scleroderma considered a disability?

If you have been diagnosed with scleroderma, which is a disorder of the immune system, and it has left you unable to work you may be able to get approval for Social Security disability benefits.

How painful is scleroderma?

The particular symptoms might just be annoying or they could cause significant problems and pain. For some, the symptoms can be life-threatening. Most scleroderma patients also experience some pain, which can range from uncomfortable to debilitating.

Does scleroderma make you tired?

Our findings indicate that fatigue is common in scleroderma and that pain and fatigue are significant determinants of physical functioning for patients with limited and diffuse disease subtypes.

Is scleroderma worse in the winter?

Raynaud's phenomenon and cold intolerance are seen in almost every patient with scleroderma. Patients often feel worse in winter months and complications from Raynaud's phenomenon such as digital ulcerations are more likely to occur in the cold winter months.

What is the best medicine for scleroderma?

The most promising drugs are mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide with or without antithymocyte globulin.

At what age is scleroderma usually diagnosed?

Age: Most localized types of scleroderma show up before age 40, and systemic types of scleroderma are typically diagnosed between ages 30 and 50.

Does scleroderma run in families?

A small percentage of all cases of systemic scleroderma have been reported to run in families; however, the condition does not have a clear pattern of inheritance. Multiple genetic and environmental factors likely play a part in determining the risk of developing this condition.

Can scleroderma cause bowel problems?

After Raynaud phenomenon and skin thickening, involvement of the gastrointestinal system is the most common feature of scleroderma. Gastrointestinal involvement occurs only in systemic sclerosis but is a prominent feature of both diffuse scleroderma and limited scleroderma.

Can you drink coffee with scleroderma?

Reduce pasta and bread, carbohydrates, starch, sugar consumption. Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.

Is exercise good for scleroderma?

Regular exercise is especially important for people with scleroderma because it helps manage common symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, and stress.