LEARN ABOUT SCLERODERMA
LIMITED SCLERODERMA
Limited scleroderma means only limited areas of skin are thick; usually just the fingers and/or face. Limited scleroderma is the milder form of scleroderma. It is more common among Caucasians than other populations. Every person with scleroderma is different and has a different pattern of symptoms. The CREST syndrome is a type of limited scleroderma.
Calcium in the skin and tissues can be a painful annoyance that can irritate or break the skin surface. Raynaud’s attacks can be uncomfortable and associated with cold intolerance. Acid reflux from esophageal dysmotility can be painful causing irritation in the lining of the esophagus. The skin changes in limited scleroderma usually do not progress. Generally, limited scleroderma causes less involvement of body organs than the more severe form.
CREST Syndrome
C
(calcinosis) is for the calcium deposits under the skin and in tissues.
R
stands for Raynaud’s phenomenon.
E
is for esophageal dysmotility. This causes heartburn, which is often experienced by CREST patients.
S
is for sclerodactyly; that means thick skin on the fingers.
T
is for telangiectasias, which are enlarged blood vessels. These appear as red spots on the face and other areas.
C
(calcinosis) is for the calcium deposits under the skin and in tissues.
R
stands for Raynaud’s phenomenon.
E
is for esophageal dysmotility. This causes heartburn, which is often experienced by CREST patients.
S
is for sclerodactyly; that means thick skin on the fingers.
T
is for telangiectasias, which are enlarged blood vessels. These appear as red spots on the face and other areas.
DIFFUSE SCLERODERMA
"Because of Project Scleroderma’s work patients feel less alone. They are making a huge impact on a community that often feels lost and forgotten."
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Among the early signs of scleroderma is Raynaud’s phenomenon (pronounced RAY-KNOWDS), which is identified by fingers that become very sensitive to cold, causing the fingers to change colors. The changes of color are caused by the spasm and narrowing of the blood vessels. This reaction can be caused by emotional stress as well. Additionally, fingers and hands that become stiff and puffy can also be early indicators of Scleroderma. There are two types of Raynaud’s Phenomenon:
PRIMARY RAYNAUD'S
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common condition and most people with Raynaud’s phenomenon will NOT develop scleroderma. These individuals have what is referred to as primary Raynaud’s.
SECONDARY RAYNAUD'S
While only a small percentage of people with Raynaud’s phenomenon develop scleroderma, almost all scleroderma patients have Raynaud’s symptoms. This is referred to as secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, so-named because it is secondary to the scleroderma.
WHAT CAUSES SCLERODERMA?
At the moment there is no known cause of scleroderma and no way of preventing this disease. It is more common in females than males, yet it affects all genders, all ages and all racial groups. The peak of the disease onset occurs in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Familial scleroderma is rare, and there is no evidence of genetic inheritance.
