Scleroderma results from an overproduction and accumulation of collagen in body tissues. Collagen is a fibrous type of protein that makes up your body’s connective tissues, including your skin. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes this process to begin, but the body’s immune system appears to play a role.
In this manner, at what age do people get scleroderma?
Age: Most localized types of scleroderma show up before age 40, and systemic types of scleroderma are typically diagnosed between ages 30 and 50.
Considering this, can you prevent scleroderma?
There is no treatment that can cure or stop the overproduction of collagen that is characteristic of scleroderma.
Does stress cause scleroderma?
We agree that susceptibility, progression and clinical presentation of scleroderma are influenced by a strong interplay of several factors, of which one is psychosocial stress (2–5). Our preliminary findings further suggest that mechanical stress is involved in the onset, continuation and exacerbation of scleroderma.
Is scleroderma always fatal?
The skin hardening and tightening is limited usually just to the fingers and sometimes the hands, forearms or the face. Internal organ damage is less likely in the limited scleroderma type. In general, patients with limited scleroderma have a normal life expectancy.
Is scleroderma worse than 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 bacteria causes scleroderma?
Abstract. This case report describes a patient with scleroderma who developed Mycobacterium intracellulare infection, which for more than a year mimicked worsening of her connective tissue disorder.
What environmental triggers cause scleroderma?
Environmental factors
Some evidence points to possible environmental triggers of scleroderma. For example, infections by some viruses and long-term exposure to some chemicals, such as pesticides, silica dust, or polyvinyl chloride, are thought to be linked to the disease.
What foods should be avoided with scleroderma?
Avoid eating two to three hours before bed- time. Avoid foods that may aggra- vate symptoms such as citrus fruits, tomato products, greasy fried foods, coffee, garlic, onions, peppermint, gas-producing foods (such as raw peppers, beans, broccoli or raw onions), spicy foods, carbonated beverages and alcohol.
What is the survival rate for 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.
What toxins cause scleroderma?
They listed many chemical compounds that have been linked to scleroderma in case reports [benzene, bis(4-amino-3-methylcyclohexyl) methane, dieseline, dimethylbutylphenyldiamine, heptane, metaphenylenediamine, toluene, toluidene, trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, xylene, and xylidene].
What virus causes scleroderma?
One theory suggests that scleroderma is caused by a virus or other infection. For example, a common virus called CMV (cytomegalovirus) is known to infect cells (endothelial cells) that line our blood vessels, which we know are diseased in scleroderma (3).
What were your first signs of scleroderma?
Symptoms of scleroderma may include:
- Thickening and swelling of the fingers.
- Pale fingers that may become numb and tingle when exposed to cold or stress, known as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Joint pain.
- Taut, shiny, darker skin on large areas, which can cause problems with movement.
Who is at risk scleroderma?
Middle age, female sex, positive family history and exposure to silica are risk factors for scleroderma. Infectious agents, alcohol and cigarette smoking are not risk factors for scleroderma development.