Scleroderma - Causes, Symptoms And Complications Of Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a disease in which connective tissue is damaged. The disease manifests itself in the form of seals. The causes of scleroderma, unfortunately, are not yet fully understood.

Scleroderma causes

The reasons contributing to the development of scleroderma include stressful situations, hypothermia, severe and chronic infectious diseases, radiation, and chemicals.

An important role in the development of the disease is played by the dysfunction of fibroblasts and other cells that secrete collagen. The response of the autoimmune system to collagen is of prime importance. Presumably, various disorders of the endocrine system, metabolism and others, together with the negative effects of external factors, create favorable conditions for the development of pathologies in the connective tissue system, both of the skin and blood vessels, and of the digestive system, liver, lungs, etc.

Scleroderma symptoms

The focal form manifests itself in the form of a small number of rounded lesions. In the course of the development of scleroderma, they go through three stages: first, spots appear, then they turn into plaques, and atrophy occurs. At the beginning, scleroderma manifests itself weakly: one or more spots of lilac-pink color, round or oval, appear. Further, in the center of the spot, a seal forms, which, with the course of the disease, turns into a dense plaque with a smooth shiny surface of white or yellowish color.

Types of scleroderma

Systemic and limited scleroderma is considered the most common and more studied species.

Systemic scleroderma affects many organs and tissues of a person.

There is a type of systemic scleroderma called diffuse. This rare form occurs in only five percent of patients. This form is dangerous because negative changes occur in the internal organs, so its outcome is sad.

Limited scleroderma usually affects the skin and the layers adjacent to it, although other parts of the body are not affected.

Plaque scleroderma is a type of localized scleroderma. Some stains are formed. Very often, spots appear exactly where the skin was damaged. Very rarely, however, it happens that this scleroderma goes away on its own.

Linear scleroderma usually affects babies. The place of localization of the disease is the forehead, with the course of the disease it moves towards the hair. In case of manifestation of scleroderma on the legs, trophic ulcers may occur. It happens that several people in a family suffer from this disease. The annular form of the disease is rare.

The generalized form of scleroderma affects large areas of the body. It is very common in children, although adults are also not immune from this disease.

White spot disease usually occurs in women. Children rarely suffer.

With subcutaneous morphea, the skin becomes thick and rough. When donating blood for analysis, the picture changes.