A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Scleroderma
Medical Questions » Scleroderma
| Name: Scleroderma |
| Also known as: Progressive Systemic Sclerosis |
| An inflammatory condition most commonly affecting the skin and gut, then the oesophagus (gullet), lungs, heart and other internal organs. |
Causes of Scleroderma
Auto-immune disease, in which the body inappropriately rejects its own tissue. Usually starts between 30 and 50 years of age, and women are more commonly affected. |
Symptoms of Scleroderma
Vary widely but include thickening of the skin, arthritis that moves between joints, patchy changes in skin coloration, poor circulation to the hands, difficulty in swallowing, lung infections, fevers and diarrhoea. |
Tests for Scleroderma
Blood tests show abnormalities but are not diagnostic. A biopsy (sample) of skin or other affected tissue confirms the diagnosis. |
Treatment for Scleroderma
Medications to relieve the symptoms.
|
Complications of Scleroderma of its treatment
Damage to vital organs such as the heart. |
Likely Outcome of Scleroderma
No cure. Slowly progressive over many years. Men and the elderly deteriorate more rapidly. |
|
|
