{"id":5476,"date":"2019-04-12T08:27:40","date_gmt":"2019-04-12T08:27:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=5476"},"modified":"2021-06-02T15:05:17","modified_gmt":"2021-06-02T15:05:17","slug":"14-most-common-symptoms-of-scleroderma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-most-common-symptoms-of-scleroderma\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Most Common Symptoms of Scleroderma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A rarely occurring condition, the uncommon problem of scleroderma is when hard, thickened patches of skin form on the body. In some more serious cases, the condition can also cause complications for some of the body\u2019s major organs and even blood vessels. These are not often life-threatening conditions, although they can become a threat to life if ignored or misunderstood.

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During the initial development of a typical case of scleroderma, the immune system of a sufferer effectively attacks the fascia and other connective tissues, which lie under the patient\u2019s skin and all-around their internal organs. Due to this process, scarring can occur and tissue is caused to thicken in and around the affected areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Varying in terms of severity from case to case, there are several different forms of scleroderma that can affect people. Whilst some are fairly mild, improving on their own over time, others can have much more serious complications and sometimes life-threatening implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although there is no known cure for scleroderma, many people who live with the condition are still capable of leading an active and productive life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common symptoms of scleroderma are listed and expanded upon below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.  \tHardened or thickened skin that looks shiny and smooth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Localized scleroderma <\/a>only affects the skin, and can cause it to develop a shiny and smooth appearance that has a texture like paper. This type of scleroderma is more of an annoyance for sufferers than a serious health problem. This is the mildest form of the variable condition and although it can occur at any age and any time, it usually affects children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, any number of hard patches may develop in a localized area on the patient\u2019s body. Sometimes only one patch is present and the number rarely exceeds half a dozen, though much higher numbers have been recorded and observed in the past. With this fairly mild type of scleroderma, internal organs aren\u2019t ever affected and their function isn\u2019t at all compromised.
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Any of the following symptoms may be considered troubling to a person suffering from scleroderma, but retaining a positive outlook, rather than dwelling on the misfortune of having been lumbered with a life long illness, can certainly go some way to providing even temporary relief for a patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Cold fingers or toes that turn red, white, or blue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another mild form of scleroderma is known as limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, which once again only affects the skin on certain parts of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, the skin on a patient’s face, legs, hands, feet, and arms can be affected, although this form of scleroderma can, unfortunately, lead to problems with the lungs and the digestive system<\/a>. Fingers and toes turning different colors can be symptomatic of a bunch of different health problems, and so establishing scleroderma from this symptom can be fairly difficult to confirm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially mimicking or actually developing from Raynaud’s disease, where poor circulation causes the discoloration of fingers and toes, this type of scleroderma makes everyday activities challenging to perform.
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As mentioned throughout this article, some forms of scleroderma come and go in terms of the severity of the symptoms, meaning that some sufferers may experience little to no trouble at all.
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This said it isn\u2019t difficult to imagine the misery that living with a high number of these 8 common symptoms could bring.
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3.  \tUlcers or sores on fingertips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As already highlighted in the introduction and two examples above, the skin is what tends to most affected by milder cases and less damaging varieties of scleroderma, but exactly which way the skin is impacted upon, completely depends on the particular type of scleroderma you\u2019re dealing with. It also varies from person to person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two main types of scleroderma which affect the skin to consider. They are called Morphoea and Linear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morphoea is very distinguishable due to its tendency to cause discolored circular or oval-shaped patches to appear in localized areas on the skin. These patches are often prone to appearing anywhere on the body, from the soles of the feet to the scalp <\/a>and everywhere else between. They are in most cases incredibly itchy and irritating. Usually hairless and shiny in appearance, these patches of skin may improve with or without treatment over time, which isn\u2019t of much comfort to sufferers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4.  \tSmall, red spots on the face and chest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The other recognized type of the condition known as scleroderma, which affects the skin<\/a>, is known as linear. The blotches, patches, and spots that appear with this symptom are particularly unpleasant for sufferers, both aesthetically and psychologically.
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Usually occurring in direct correlation with a series of small red spots dotted intermittently and sporadically on the skin, this type usually occurs, as the name suggests, in lines which can run along the edge of the face, across the scalp or down the limbs.
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One potential complication of this type of scleroderma is that it can occasionally affect the bones and the muscles that lie underneath the affected area.
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Although the effects may reduce in severity over the years, shortened limbs and other growth problems can blight sufferers, especially if they are children when first diagnosed. This is because the growth plates in children\u2019s bones are still active and damage them can cause complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5.  \tPuffy or swollen or painful fingers and\/or toes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another trademark symptom of scleroderma can be the change of appearance in the digits on the hands and feet. This symptom is easily recognizable as we all use our hands so frequently on a daily basis and so any changes, however small they happen to be, are easily noticeable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often described as appearing to be \u2018puffy\u2019, the affected fingers or toes, which have developed a thickening skin, can be difficult to manipulate or walk on respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The swelling which occurs can prove a very daunting prospect to face, as it is usually a case of sitting it out and waiting for it to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the counter treatments and anti-inflammatory<\/a> medicines may help in some ways, but usually, it is a case of playing the waiting game for this symptom to calm down and for the patient to regain satisfactory control of their fingers and toes.
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Once again, this symptom varies from person to person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.  \tPainful or swollen joints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Joint pain<\/a>, localized swelling, and, muscle stiffness can develop as a result of diffuse systemic sclerosis, which is discussed in greater detail below.
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The sharp, shooting pain in the joints can make movement very uncomfortable and often exercising is put on the back burner for sufferers, who seek to soothe the aches and pains with either ice, heat or both, instead of opting to keep the body moving, as is the advice of many medical professionals. It is always hard to juggle opinions and advice with the will of the head and the actual capability of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swollen and inflamed joints are very hard to manipulate and patients often find simple everyday tasks such as cooking or dressing to be painful and miserable experiences, until the pain and swelling have settled down to a functional level. Some people may find that their normal level of activity is resumed within a week, whereas for others, they may have to wait for months at a time until they are satisfactorily recovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7.  \tMuscle weakness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An annoying but seemingly unavoidable by-product of being unable to exercise or function as you normally would, is that muscle wastage often occurs resulting in muscle weakness<\/a>.
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It\u2019s a bit of a vicious cycle here, in terms of the fact that the patient would dearly like to get moving as per the advice of some medical outlets. The only problem is that it really hurts to move, like really really hurts. However, if they stop moving altogether, their muscles are likely to remain stiff and swollen, resulting in longer layoffs and ultimately more muscle weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This presents a real challenge to the mind, not just the body, and one symptom not discussed here is the seriously damaging effect that scleroderma can have on someone psychologically, on top of the physical implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mental impact of having what is essentially an incurable illness can be absolutely huge, and incredibly detrimental to the quality of life of a patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8.      Damage to internal organs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A more serious symptom that is unfortunately relatively common still is systemic sclerosis, which is a horrifying complication that could potentially affect a sufferer\u2019s blood flow, inhibit their proper circulation<\/a> and ultimately significantly compromise the functionality of some of the most vital internal organs.
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Again, there are different varieties of sclerosis, with diffuse systemic sclerosis being likely to affect the internal organs in conjunction with causing other skin changes across the whole body.
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In addition to these two factors, accelerated weight loss and extreme fatigue or tiredness can come as part of the very unpleasant package.
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In some of the most severe and serious cases, vital organs including the heart, the lungs, and the kidneys may be affected. Obviously, this can lead to serious consequences down the line, beginning with shortness of breath and tiredness, before inevitable extending towards issues such as high blood pressure and even pulmonary hypertension, which is, of course, high blood pressure that occurs in the lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Systemic Scleroderma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scleroderma comes in two different sub-types. Systemic sclerosis creates changes in the ligaments<\/a>, causing them to tighten and contract. As a result, patients may find that their fingers look thin, with larger knuckles than usual.
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Systemic sclerosis can also cause changes in other regions of the body as well. The word “systemic” implies that the problem occurs in every biological system within the body. Therefore, it’s common for patients with this disease to develop issues with their digestive, skeletal, circulatory, and renal system.
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The disease causes tissues to turn fibrous and harden, and this may occur in the internal organs, such as the heart \u2013 presenting a life-threatening situation for the patient. With sclerosis, there are two subtypes of this condition as well, limited or diffuse.
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Patients with limited scleroderma, receive skin thickening symptoms, while diffuse hardens the internal organs. Both cases of the disease require immediate treatment from a medical professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Difficulty Swallowing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Also known by the medical term, “dysphagia<\/a>,” difficulty with swallowing is another common symptom of scleroderma.
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The condition occurs when there is a problem with the esophagus or throat, cause the muscles in the affected area to tighten, limiting their ability to create the peristaltic swallowing movement. As a result, patients with dysphagia may find that they have a hard time swallowing food, and in some cases, the patient may choke on their meal.
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Scleroderma of the throat and esophagus may lead to a dramatic decrease in the quality of life for the patient. As a result, they may enter a state of malaise where they struggle to come to terms with the state of their health, resulting in the onset of depression in the patient.
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Scleroderma can cause the hardening of tissues in the throat, causing dysfunction with the swallowing action. As the disease progresses, the patient may find that they have to resort to a liquid diet to avoid choking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Cramps, Bloating, and Diarrhea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When scleroderma affects the digestive system, it can start to cause many complications in the affected individuals. Patients may find that they begin to experience the onset of bloating, gas, and cramping in the abdomen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These symptoms occur due to the hardening of fibers in the digestive tract<\/a>, resulting in a disruption in the peristaltic movement of food through the digestive system.
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Doctors may treat patients for the symptoms using laxatives to clear any undigested food. However, the pain associated with the condition varies from person to person. If the patient already has an existing digestive disorder, such as Crohn’s disease, then they may experience severe, life-threatening complications that require immediate medical treatment.
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The cramping and bloating symptoms may also occur in women who are experiencing their period. Fibrosis of the tissues in the pelvis may intensify symptoms of cramping and pain during menstruation. Using anti-inflammatories and painkillers to manage symptoms may help somewhat, but there is no immediate cure for the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Localized Scleroderma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Typically, the effects of localized scleroderma are mild, and only affect one muscle group or localized area on the skin. The condition does not evolve into systemic scleroderma, and it does not migrate to other sites or make changes in the internal organs.
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Morphea describes a type of localized scleroderma, that shows up as waxy lesions <\/a>on the skin, varying in shape, size, and color. Some patients may find that the skin under the affected area starts to thicken and feel stiff to the touch. Morphea has a sporadic nature, and the patches may grow in size or shrink, with no consistency in the change.
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Linear scleroderma describes a type of localized scleroderma that may start as a line or streak of hard waxy on the forehead, leg, or arm. On occasion, this form of the disease may create a long, deep line on the forehead that looks like a crease, sometimes referred to as a “saber-wound,” by doctors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Malnutrition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients diagnosed with systemic scleroderma may notice that changes begin to occur in their digestive system. The disease may cause the hardening of tissues in the intestines and colon, leading to disruptions in the peristaltic motion of food through the digestive tract. As a result, the patient may experience blockages that require treatment with laxatives.
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The fibrosis of organs in the digestive system also takes a toll on the gut microbiome. Biomes dictate the rate of assimilation of nutrients from food, and scleroderma interferes with this process. As a result, the patient may start to develop symptoms of malnutrition <\/a>and nutrient deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. \u00a0
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This effect of the disease on the digestive system can have severe consequences and require medical intervention to stop the spread of the disease and save as much of the healthy tissue as possible. Some patients may have to shift to a liquid diet to help the gastrointestinal system manage digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scleroderma occurs much more frequently in women than in men, with over 70-percent of all cases affecting females. Several other risk factors<\/a> increase your chances of developing this condition, as well.
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Research shows that genetic factors influence the development of the disease. As a result, the condition may occur in multiple family members over the generations. Systemic scleroderma is also most common in Native American populations, especially among the Choctaw.
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Environmental triggers also play a role in the development of the condition. Exposure to hazardous waste or harmful substances may increase your risk of developing scleroderma.
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People with autoimmune disorders are also more likely to develop other conditions like scleroderma. Many medical professionals believe that scleroderma is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing the onset of symptoms associated with the condition. Patients with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjogren’s syndrome, may also be at high risk of developing scleroderma as well.
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