Scleroderma - symptoms, causes & modern treatment approaches
Scleroderma - a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin & organs. Find out all about the causes, symptoms & current treatment options.
Things worth knowing about "Sclerodemia"
Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a rare autoimmune disease characterised by excessive production and deposition of collagen.
Scleroderma can affect the skin and internal organs and lead to thickening and hardening of the connective tissue. Scleroderma is considered a form of collagenosis and primarily affects the skin, but also blood vessels, muscles and internal organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys and digestive tract.
There are two main forms of scleroderma: the cutaneous form and the systemic form. Cutaneous scleroderma is usually limited to the skin and the underlying connective tissue while systemic scleroderma can have more extensive effects on organs and tissues. The exact cause of scleroderma is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue. The immune system produces a series of antibodies that damage the connective tissue and stimulate the production of collagen. This leads to a thickening and hardening of the affected tissue.
The most common symptoms of scleroderma include skin changes such as thickening and hardening, especially on the fingers and hands. This can lead to movement restrictions. Another common symptom is Raynaud's phenomenon, in which there is a temporary circulatory disturbance in the fingers and toes, leading to pallor and numbness. Swallowing difficulties, digestive disorders and respiratory problems due to lung involvement are also possible. In advanced cases, the heart and kidneys can also be affected.
Although scleroderma cannot be cured, there are various therapeutic approaches to alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. The most important treatment methods include medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, which help to dampen inflammatory reactions and regulate the immune system. In addition, physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help to maintain mobility and prevent joint stiffness. Special medication is particularly necessary for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis or digestive disorders.
A balanced diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can help fight inflammation and support the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D also have anti-inflammatory properties and can have a positive effect on the course of the disease. Lactoferrin as an iron-binding glycoprotein could have a supportive effect, particularly due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. It plays a role in regulating the immune system and can dampen pro-inflammatory processes in the affected tissue. This could be particularly beneficial in scleroderma, as this disease is often associated with an excessive inflammatory response in the body.
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