What Is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma refers to a range of autoimmune disorders that causes your skin and connective tissue to harden and tighten. It is a chronic disease that tends to get worse as it progresses. Scleroderma is also referred to as crest syndrome and systemic sclerosis. It is considered to be a rheumatic disease. Scleroderma occurs due to a problem with the immune system that causes increased collagen production. Collagen is a protein that holds the bones, muscles, tendons, and your skin together. Overproduction of collagen causes your tissues to scar and thicken. Scleroderma may be mild to potentially fatal in its severity. Scleroderma is mainly classified into two types:
Localized scleroderma Systemic scleroderma
Listed below are the scleroderma types along with the symptoms that surface with each type.
Symptoms And Types Of Scleroderma
Localized Scleroderma
Localized scleroderma mainly affects the skin, although it may also impact your muscles and bones. It is the mildest form of scleroderma and does not affect the internal organs. It is further divided into two types – morphea and linear scleroderma. The symptoms of morphea scleroderma include light or dark patches on your skin that are oval-shaped. Those with linear scleroderma may develop bands or streaks of hardened skin on the limbs. It usually affects the bones and muscles.
Systemic Scleroderma
Systemic scleroderma affects the entire body, including your blood and internal organs like your kidneys, esophagus, lungs, and heart. Its two main types are limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis syndrome (CREST) and diffuse systemic sclerosis. Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis syndrome (CREST) is the least severe type of the disease. It usually affects the skin on your hands, face, feet, and lower arms and legs. It is also termed CREST syndrome because its symptoms form the acronym, CREST, which stands for: C – Calcinosis (formation of calcium deposits in tissues and under the skin) R – Raynaud’s disease E – Esophageal diseases like GERD S – Sclerodactyly (formation of thick skin on the fingers) T – Telangiectasia (enlargement of blood vessels that manifests as red spots) Diffuse systemic sclerosis is characterized by the thickening of the skin of your hands up to your wrists. This can also affect your internal organs. Affected individuals often experience symptoms of weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Overall, the symptoms of scleroderma include:
Stiffness, tightness, and puffiness of your fingers and hands due to emotional stress or sensitivity to cold Swelling in the feet Calcium deposition Narrowing of blood vessels in the hands and feet (Raynaud’s disease) Problems with the esophagus Thickening of the skin on the fingers Formation of red spots on the face and hands
The exact cause of this condition is yet to be determined. But, since it is an autoimmune disease, problems with the functioning of your immune system could be the main cause. Other factors that can cause scleroderma or increase its risk are listed below.
Causes And Risk Factors
One of the main causes of scleroderma is believed to be the overproduction of collagen – a protein that forms the building block of connective tissues. This may lead to the thickening and subsequent scarring of the affected tissues. Another factor that could be responsible for the development of scleroderma is genes. However, this isn’t confirmed yet. A family history of autoimmune diseases is often traced in individuals with scleroderma, making it another factor that could be contributing to the development of the condition. Other factors that can increase your risk of getting scleroderma are:
Age – Those between 30 and 50 years of age are more likely to develop scleroderma. Gender – This disease is more common in women. Medical conditions like diabetes increase your risk of developing scleroderma. Exposure to environmental factors like silica dust and certain chemicals like vinyl chloride. Medications like carbidopa and bleomycin also increase your risk.
Scleroderma is quite difficult to diagnose as it surfaces gradually and in different forms. Hence, your doctor may carry out the following tests to diagnose it.
Diagnosis
Your physician may carry out a physical examination along with some other tests to diagnose scleroderma. Such tests include:
Observing the skin under a microscope to look for any changes Biopsy Blood tests to assess the levels of different antibodies in it
Your doctor may also look for signs of skin thickening, shortness of breath, GERD, and calcium deposition before diagnosing your condition. Once you have been positively diagnosed with scleroderma, your doctor may suggest any of the treatments listed below.
Treatment Methods
Medical treatments for scleroderma include:
Blood pressure medications to dilate your blood vessels and help treat Raynaud’s disease that surfaces from scleroderma Immunosuppressants to suppress your immune system activities Physical therapy to manage symptoms of pain and improve your mobility and strength Laser surgery and/or ultraviolet light therapy to improve the appearance and condition of your skin
Researchers are on the lookout for more treatments to treat scleroderma. Here are some natural alternatives to manage this condition.
How To Manage Scleroderma Naturally
Home Remedies To Manage Scleroderma Symptoms
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D Do this on a daily basis. Vitamin D exhibits immunomodulatory, antifibrotic, and cardioprotective effects and is a great way to manage the symptoms of scleroderma. Most sclerodermic individuals are also deficient in vitamin D, thus signifying the need for its supplementation (2).
2. Essential Oils
a. Peppermint Oil
6 drops of peppermint oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or any other carrier oil)
You can do this 1 to 2 times daily. Peppermint oil has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed and swollen skin due to the presence of menthol. It can also help alleviate symptoms of pain (3).
b. Lavender Oil
6 drops of lavender oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or any other carrier oil)
You can do this 1 to 2 times daily. With its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, it is no surprise that lavender oil works wonderfully in treating the pain and inflammation that surface with scleroderma (4). It also relieves stress (5).
3. Gotu Kola
½ teaspoon of dried gotu kola 1 glass of hot water
Drink Gotu kola tea 1 to 3 times daily. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a medicinal herb that is known to stabilize the connective tissues and promote the health of your blood vessels. It is also capable of alleviating symptoms of inflammation and stress (6).
4. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 glass of hot milk or water
You can do this once daily. Turmeric is a rich source of curcumin. Supplementation with curcumin was observed to suppress the fibrotic process leading to the overproduction of collagen and the development of scleroderma (7), (8).
5. Onion
A small onion Do this 1 to 2 times daily. Onions are rich in compounds like thiosulfinates and cepaene that exhibit anti-inflammatory activities. This helps in alleviating the symptoms of inflammation and swelling (9).
6. Lemon
1 lemon 1 teaspoon of honey
You must do this once daily. The topical application of lemon juice helps to soften the thickened skin and reduces the inflammation and swelling (10).
7. Gram Flour
2 teaspoons of gram flour Water (as required)
Apply this to your skin at least once daily. Gram flour can help smoothen rough and thickened skin. It also helps your skin regain its lost texture.
8. Fish Oil (Omega 3)
250-500 mg of fish oil or omega-3 Incorporate fish oil into your daily diet. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and swelling in your body. Ingestion of fish oil can also prevent Raynaud’s disease, which is one of the characteristics of scleroderma (11).
9. Ginger
1-2 inches of ginger 1 cup of hot water
You can drink ginger tea 2 to 3 times daily. Ginger has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help inhibit pain-producing prostaglandins in your body, thus helping you manage the symptoms of scleroderma (12).
10. Cottage Cheese (Paneer)
2 servings of cottage cheese You can consume cottage cheese once daily. Cottage cheese is a rich source of sulfur and helps in the easier absorption of oil as well as other nutrients into your cells. This increases your energy levels and helps you deal with scleroderma better. Other than these remedies, another natural way to manage the symptoms of scleroderma is to alter your diet. The following is a diet specially created for those struggling with scleroderma.
Scleroderma Diet
In general, those suffering from scleroderma are advised to eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours. Consume more antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like the following.
Foods To Eat
Basil Rosemary Oregano Cinnamon Paprika Ginger Cayenne Turmeric
You should try and restrict the foods listed below from your diet.
Foods To Avoid
Free sugars Alcohol Caffeine
If you experience symptoms of GERD, avoid foods like:
Citrus fruits Tomatoes Greasy foods Garlic Onions Spicy food Carbonated beverages
If you are looking for other ways to manage your symptoms, the following tips might help.
Tips To Manage Scleroderma
Have smaller and frequent meals. Avoid eating a couple of hours before bedtime. Keep your skin well moisturized. Avoid injuring your fingers. Keep warm to avoid circulatory issues. Indulge in exercises that can alleviate stiffness. Quit smoking. Avoid using recreational drugs. Get enough rest and sleep. Practice yoga to manage your anxiety and stress levels. Avoid processed or junk foods. Avoid taking herbs like echinacea that are known to boost the activities of your immune system.
When to visit a doctor for scleroderma? When it comes to serious health conditions like scleroderma, it is better to consult a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms – like swelling, thickening of the fingers, etc. Is scleroderma life-threatening? The symptoms of scleroderma usually vary from person to person. They can be mild or even life-threatening. How long can you live with scleroderma? Women who are affected by scleroderma have a life expectancy that is 22.4 years shorter than the general population whereas, for men, it is 26 years. Around 24.2% of the population dies within 8 years of developing the disorder. What is the prognosis for scleroderma? Those with scleroderma have a lower life expectancy as compared to the general population. Does walking help scleroderma? Yes, walking is a common form of low-impact exercise recommended for scleroderma patients. Walking increases motility, relieves nausea, and promotes digestion (13). It is advised to gradually increase your walking distance as your condition allows. Is heat good for scleroderma? Yes, applying heat may alleviate the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease, one of the major symptoms of systemic scleroderma (14). However, further studies are warranted. Is massage good for scleroderma? Yes, studies indicate that massage therapy may improve thumb and hand motility in individuals with scleroderma (15). Is stretching good for scleroderma? Yes, stretching daily might help delay the loss of joint mobility and improve the flexibility of muscles in individuals with scleroderma (13). However, further studies are warranted. Does scleroderma affect the brain? Yes, there is a possibility that scleroderma may lead to the deposition of calcium in the blood vessels of the brain. This may lead to various neurological problems (16).
