Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by thickening and curing of the skin. In more severe cases, scleroderma can also affect internal organs. Scleroderma is divided into two main categories, limited scleroderma og diffuse scleroderma. The latter is the most severe form of systemic sclerosis. In recent times, this condition has become well known after it hit Gunhild Stordalen.

Symptoms of limited scleroderma and diffuse scleroderma

The milder version will show skin changes mainly around the hands, arms and face. This issue is also called CREST syndrome due to its characteristic symptoms in the form of calcium depletion in the skin, raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal disorder, sclerodactylia and telangiectasia.

Diffuse scleroderma differs in that the condition worsens rapidly, affecting a larger area of the skin and also one or more internal organs - usually the kidneys, esophagus, heart and / or lungs. This type of scleroderma can be very devastating, as there is no cure for the disease - usually it is lung complications that are the fatal cause of worsening diffuse scleroderma. It is said that the five-year survival of the latter is 70% and the 10-year survival is 55%.

Clinical signs

Raynaud's phenomenon (distinct loss of color or discoloration in the outer part of the fingers) is present in 70% of affected people. Sores on the fingertips and skin can often be seen by observation. Irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart defects are also common among those affected. Other signs may include acid reflux, swelling, indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation and sicca syndrome (with complications - such as tooth loss and hoarse voice). You may also experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dry cough, joint and muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and muscle weakness. The list goes on with erectile dysfunction, kidney problems and kidney failure.

Diagnosis and cause

The cause of scleroderma is not known, but a genetic, hereditary link and epigenetic link to the disease have been found. Mutations in the HLA gene have been shown to play a role in many of the cases - but not all. Being exposed to solvents and the like also seems to have a negative effect.

Who is affected by the disease?

The disease affects women 4-9 times more often than men, and has normally started at the age of 20-50 years. The disease is found all over the world and it has been seen that the condition affects African Americans somewhat more than others.

Treatment

There is no cure for scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). Symptom-relieving treatment involves medication in the form of a wide range of medications - depending on which symptom you are trying to alleviate.

The most common form of treatment for autoimmune conditions is included immunosuppression - that is, drugs and measures that limit and cushion the body's own defense system. Gene therapy that limits inflammatory processes in immune cells has shown great progress in recent times, often in combination with increased activation of anti-inflammatory genes and processes.

Also read: - Complete overview of autoimmune diseases

What can I do even against pain in muscles, nerves and joints?

1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.

5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).

6. Prevention and healing: Compression noise like that like this can increase blood circulation to the affected area, thereby speeding up the natural healing of injured or worn muscles and tendons.

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