Switch on Your Anti-Arthritis Genes and Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by toughening most commonly in the skin and could also happen to other organs. The mild form of this known as morphea, although it can cripple its patients would tend not to be fatal. Another form of this which is systemic sclerosis, since it would affect the skin as well as would limit the functions of the affected organs could be fatal. As of now, there is no exact cause of this disease and most doctors would go by theories.

Scleroderma is found worldwide however; women are about four times as likely to have it more than men. This would also develop mostly between the ages of 30 and 60. The disease is quite rare as affecting only 14 out of every 1 million individuals worldwide. This disease also rarely affects children. This disease is quite evident among the native American Choctaw tribe and African-American females.

What Causes Scleroderma?

The cause of scleroderma still remains unknown, although medical experts have developed various theories on the causes of it. Some have said that it is largely genetic so if an individual has scleroderma, he puts his relatives at risk of having it. Others would say that it is environmental and is brought about by unwanted factors in the environment such as virus, bacteria and other similar factors. However, non of these theories are proven yet.

The result of this is that the immune system, instead of protecting the body would attack the tissues in the body causing the development of scar tissue on the affected areas. Although different cases of scleroderma would cause different symptoms, the most common ones would be the Raynaud’s phenomenon which would refer to the spasms of arteries supplying blood to the fingers, toes and face. For systemic scleroderma, this is coupled by limitation in the organ’s function.

How Is The Heart Involved In Scleroderma?

Scleroderma makes the tissues in your heart tougher than in turn would limit its functions. If the heart gets involved with scleroderma, then there will be limitations to its function. This is characterized by myocardial disease, arrhythmias or conduction system abnormalities. Even if it is not the heart that would get affected but rather the kidneys or lungs, that could still cause a lot of heart problems, the most common being hypertension. Being that, the heart is one of the most involved organs in scleroderma.

One who gets scleroderma should be expecting some heart problems since the heart is largely involved in it. Fortunately, this can be managed with the help of some doctors. Although there is still no guarantee that a patient would be completely free of scleroderma after medications, medications are made to help patients go by difficult symptoms that are brought to them by scleroderma.

How Is Heart Involvement In Scleroderma Managed?

There is no treatment for scleroderma instead, the approach to this is patient-specific and would depend on what the specific circumstances are. For heart involvement, the doctor would make use of medications such as calcium channel blockers, nifedipine, nicardipine and bosentan. For children who have it, the approach to treating them is a combination therapy of methotrexate, corticosteroids and cyclosporine.

If these would cause side effects, then different medications are used depending on what would suit the patient specifically. Patients with Raynaud’s should be aware that these medications could worsen their condition.

Sarcoidosis Cure and Scleroderma

Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disease that shares characteristics with many other diseases which fall into the autoimmune category. Sarcoidosis shares many of the same symptoms and often overlaps into conditions such as Lupus & Scleroderma normally the most common way of determining sarcoidosis from other conditions is by the manifestation of non-caseating granulomas which are small inflammatory nodules.

Sarcoid or Boeck a multi-organ disease

Finding a cure for Sarcoidosis, otherwise known as sarcoid or Besnier-Boeck disease is by no means an easy task, although the most common symptoms of sarcoidosis are granulomas which most often appear in the lungs or the lymph nodes the condition also affects many other parts of the body including eyes, skin and internal organs. This medical condition although quite rare has been known about for quite some time now and hundreds of thousands of people in the USA alone suffer from it at present.

Still, an effective cure for Sarcoidosis that can address the many different problems caused by the disease has not been invented so far and the best that physicians can do is to provide symptomatic Sarcoidosis relief.

Sarcoid Treatment Options-Depend on Severity

The different Sarcoidosis treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and its level of development. In cases in which the affected symptoms are not to serious and the condition is progressing slowly, the examination by just one medical professional specializing in this field is sufficient.

The doctor will prescribe an appropriate treatment that will provide for the relief of these symptoms most often this will be something like a corticosteroid. However, when the Sarcoidosis condition is severe or if it's developing quickly a check by and treatment from more than one specialists is usually required.

This is absolutely necessary in cases of Sarcoidosis which has started to effect internal organs. Apart from the visits to the dermatologist and the rheumatologist, a sufferer may also have to see a cardiologist as this disease is often linked to cardiovascular problems.

While an actual Sarcoidosis cure might be something many can only dream of due to the differing symptoms it is also quite common for early symptoms to go into remission, however this is not a true cure for sarcoidosis and the condition and sarcoid symptoms may return.

Natural Sarcoidosis Treatments.

As discussed an actual cure for sarcoid is not likely to happen any time soon at least when it comes to traditional medical practices, this is due mainly to the fact that most modern medicine concentrates on the symptom.

However a natural sarcoidosis treatment will often concentrate on the underlying issues which are known to cause autoimmune disorders. If you suffer with Sarcoidosis it may be helpful to ask your doctor to check you blood for high levels of Vitamin D, there is well documented evidence that many sarcoid sufferers have high levels of Vitamin D (this is known as Vitamin D Toxicity).

Although this is not a major problem in itself it is often an indication of a bacterial (micro-bacterial) infection which certain research points to as a possible cause of sarcoidosis.

A Natural Sarcoidosis Solution

Although Sarcoid seems to be an untreatable disease and as far as modern medication goes that's probably true, But there has been much research done on the subject by research teams and doctors working outside the drug industry. These findings are a real revelation for Sarcoid sufferers.

Read more: Click Here

Most diseases have their roots buried much deeper, the symptoms are just our bodies way of displaying a warning.

So to stop Sarcoidosis being an increasing problem you should be looking at treating these underlying issues & not just the symptoms Read More

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Cold Feet and Your Scleroderma

It might sometimes seem that your feet are the hardest part of your anatomy to keep warm, particularly in the dead of winter, when spring is a myth you tell yourself to keep an iota of hope alive. The rest of you might feel all warm and toasty, but your feet remain persistent little blocks of ice attached to your ankles, making you (and your bedmate) completely uncomfortable. Fortunately, cold feet can usually be attributed to cold weather (or doing something like walking out barefoot in the snow—which, by the way, is probably a bad idea), but you need to be careful. It can also be a symptom of an underlying disease or condition, ones which are often associated with poor circulation.

Some conditions that may cause poor circulation (and thus chilly feet) include diabetes, peripheral vascular disease (which is when your arteries become hardened or blocked), heart disease, and Reynaud's phenomenon or disease (which is when blood vessels spasm because of cold sensitivity). Your cold feet might also be a result of other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy (degeneration of the nerves), fibromyalgia, hormonal or glandular problems like hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency, or some diseases like lupus or scleroderma (both are problems with the immune system.) In short, there's a veritable plethora of possible causes.

You should also be aware that some things you might be taking in to your body could be causing your feet to feel the chill. Smoking, for instance, can make your blood vessels constrict and harden, which turns down the temperature on your feet. Some medications may also have this side effect, including beta blockers (typically used to treat hypertension or migraines), ergotamine (used in migraine medication), or pseudoephedrine (used in cold medications). Now, smoking is definitely something worth giving up (and cold feet is hardly the worst side effect), but don't just stop taking the rest of these meds simply because you don't like having chilly toes. You can talk with your doctor if you'd like to explore other options, but stopping medication cold turkey (or, cold turkey feet if you will) on your own is not a good idea.

Having cold feet is really a symptom in itself, but there may be other symptoms that appear with it. For instance, if your cold feet are caused by blockage of blood vessels that run to your foot, you may start seeing other problems such as toe discoloration (they start to look red or purple), muscle cramping after brief periods of exercise, and later issues might include ulcers, pain in your limbs while you rest, or gangrene. If your cold feet are caused by extensive exposure to cold weather, you may notice that your toes or other prominent areas of your foot develop chilblains, or red and itchy spots that can become infected. Definitely see your podiatrist if you get these.

If you're concerned about your cold feet, your podiatrist should be able to offer some insight into what's going on. He or she will likely ask you about any medications you may be taking, whether or not you're a smoker, and may inquire about your medical history. Your foot or feet will likely be examined for changes in skin coloration or condition, and if circulation problems are suspected, your podiatrist will probably check the pulse in your feet. Some tests can be done to check your circulation, including arterial Doppler testing (which uses sound waves to see how well blood is flowing—pretty nifty, right?), and an arteriogram (which uses dye to make arteries visible on X-rays).

The treatment of your cold feet will really depend on what is causing them. If your cold feet are due to nothing more than the fact that the exterior temperature is hovering around '15 degrees Fahrenheit, then wearing socks will probably make you a bit more comfortable. The acrylic kind wick moisture away from your skin, which is nice if you're wearing shoes and moving around a bit, although natural fibers such as wool may also work well for you (unless, of course, wool makes your skin itch like mad). When you're outdoors in cold weather, wear insulated waterproof shoes, since feet that are wet as well as cold can develop significant problems, such as frostbite. If your feet do get wet, get back inside quickly and dry them off to avoid these problems. (And get some hot chocolate while you're at it.)

If poor circulation is the problem, your doctor may recommend exercises to increase bloodflow, medications, or both. If the doctor is able to locate a blockage, then surgery might be an effective way to remove it and increase bloodflow to your feet.

Wearing socks can also help warm the feet of those suffering from poor circulation. If you are having circulation problems, then trying things like sticking your foot into a basin of hot water, or using heating creams, might not be a good idea, since the same things that cause poor circulation sometimes also cause nerve damage. You may be scorching your foot and not even notice. Talk to your podiatrist if you'd like other ideas of how to keep your toes nice and toasty.

Dr. Marble has more information about other foot and ankle conditions available free of charge. Visit http://www.puebloankleandfoot.com for more free information about other lower extremity conditions. You also have the ability to contact him directly at his Pueblo, Colorado office.

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How to Cope With Arthritis of the Knees and Scleroderma

The most common diseases among the hundred types of Arthritis are: Osteoarthritis, Rhumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Lupus and Scleroderma. There are no known causes identified, except that some are genetic, some due to Auto-immunity and others - injuries to the joints. Symptoms:- Usually accompanied by stiffness, pain, swelling and tenderness of joints, inflammation and eventually deformities.

Causes of Osteoarthritis:-

1. Degeneration of the joints often due to aging
2. Trauma resulting from falls, accidents, physical activities like sports or protein defect which the cartilage is comprised of.
3. Genetic link. If both parents have Arthritis, then you are more prone to inherit it.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis:-

1. Autoimmune disorder.
2. Viral infection that triggers off an immune response in which the Synovial membrane of the joint is under attack.
3. Emotional stress
4. Poor nutrition may contribute to the onset of the disease.

Infectious Arthritis: This is either caused by a virus or bacteria attacking the joint. If left untreated, Infectious Arthritis can cause permanent damage in the joint. Any idea what the two main muscles are, that control your knee movements and its stability. Ever heard of the quadriceps and hamstrings? Well, the quadriceps is a four-part powerful muscles situated from the thigh front, to just below the knee. It controls knee straightening and movement of the patella (knee cap). It is vital for standing, walking and running too. The hamstrings are the muscles comprising of the posterior or back of the thigh, to just below the back of the knee. Their function is for bending.

Recommended diet:-

• Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis is known to respond to an increased dietary consumption of fish oils. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements do help to relieve painful symptoms, I know, as I am taking it too. They must be combined as one to be effective.
• Increase intake of calcium to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and consume plenty of non-alcoholic drinks
• Limit the amount of dietary fats and sustain your weight within a normal range. Know that obesity worsens knee arthritis, as the added weight can put a stress on the affected knee joint, hips or spine.
• Ginger is good for anti-flatulence. Its anti-oxidant compound helps to ward off inflammation and Arthritis.
• Capsicum's hot capsaicin triggers endorphins release, which is nature's natural narcotic, to relieve pain. You can apply capsicum cream or nutmeg ointment directly on the painful joints three times daily. Avoid direct contact with the eyes.
• Tumeric is a kind of spice ground into powder, and a common ingredient found in curry. The yellow colouring of Tumeric called curcumin, when taken daily is effective in relieving aches and pains and possibly prevent Colon cancer. If you have a Gall-Bladder related problem, better to omit this spice.
• Celery is anti-inflammatory, as well as slowing down ageing and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Rest and massage are sound advice for all Arthritis. Rest in particular, is essential for inflamed muscles or tendons. Cold compress with ice actually reduces pain and swelling, thus promoting healing. Additionally, vinegar can be used to alleviate painful and swelling joints by applying a face towel soaked in vinegar on to it. Use one part of the vinegar in proportion to one part of warm water. Example - 250ml of vinegar to 250ml of water. The key to finding relief for knee arthritis is gentle, slow stretching and strengthening exercise, besides building up of supportive muscles.

Hydrotherapy or water exercise is one of the most effective and comfortable therapy for Arthritis, because it is made easy for the joints and muscles while being supported by water. Why not exercise the joints, muscles and ligaments of your knees without strain or sprain...by stretching or walking through water in a four feet deep swimming pool?

Are you familiar with Hydrotherapy? Ever heard of it? I am sure you do! It is a water exercise in a heated pool, reminds you of Jacuzzi, right? Certainly, there are many various ways to exercise in water:

• Warm water exercise designed in mind for people with Arthritis.
• Hydrotherapy which is instructed by physiotherapists.
• Gentle water exercise which caters for older people, or people with health conditions.
• Water aerobics for fitness in general.

What are the health benefits of Hydrotherapy?

1. It increases muscles strength, promotes posture and balance.
2. Contributes a sense of well-being.
3. Affords better mobility and flexibility of joints.
4. Reduces pain.
5. Helps to relax sore muscles and ease stiffness of joints.

Always remember safety measures and take precautions at the pool. Slow down if you are out of breath. Stop immediately if the therapy causes you more pain. Get out of the water if you feel giddy or sick. Alternatively, riding on a stationary bicycle is a good way to exercise your knees. Here are some water exercises if you are capable of doing. First, you sure need a flotation belt to keep you upright and floating at shoulder height.

• Stand in a swimming pool waist to chest deep in water. Now walk through the water, the same way as how you walk on the ground. If you are not able to swim, like yours truly here, I know that you will feel more comfortable and confidant if you are standing near the edge of the pool, so you can hold on to the edge for support as you walk through the water, from the short end of the pool to the other end. Try walking sideways to tone up other muscles.
• Next, stand upright with your chest lifted and arms slightly bent at your sides. Stride forward slowly, placing your foot on the base of the pool (not tip-toe), with your heel going down first, followed by the ball of your foot. Avoid straining your back as you stride across and back.
• Pump your arms and legs faster for a short moment, then return to your own normal pace.

Are you ready for a few quadriceps strengthening exercises? Here you go:-

1. Always warm up first with walking or riding a stationary bike before performing the Quadriceps exercises. Only do one exercise per session.Now sit in a chair, then move a little forward to sit at the edge. Extend both legs forward, but your heels on the floor.Keeping your knees straight, tighten your thigh muscles and hold for a count of ten. Then relax for a count of three, breathe in and out. Do ten repetitions of this.
2. Leg lifts - just lie flat on your back, then bend your left knee at 90 degrees angle, while keeping your left foot flat on the floor. Keep your right leg straight as you slowly lift it up, until your right foot is at the same height as your left knee. Hold this position for a count of three, inhaling and exhaling Switch legs over and repeat 10 times over several weeks. Remember to lift one leg at a time, as lifting both legs can cause excessive strain on your back.
3. Next, sit or lie on the floor, you may place a rolled up towel beneath your thigh for support. Straighten your left leg, raise your left foot about six inches off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly lower your left foot bending your knee. Alternate with your right leg and do it for 10 times.
4. Stand with your back straighten up, knees apart and your feet pointing straight ahead. Slowly lower and move your buttocks backward, as though you were sitting on a chair. Do Not bend your knees beyond 90 degrees angle. Hold it for a count of 5 seconds. Do 10 squats, but stop if you are having pain on your knees.
5. Sit on a chair with knees bent to 45 degrees and heels on the floor, but your toes lifted up Do not move your heels, dig them into the floor instead. Can you feel the tension in your hamstrings? Hold for a count of 5 seconds, then relax for a count of 3 seconds. Do 10 repetitions.
6. Walk backwards to develop your hamstrings. When you walk backwards, your weight is more evenly distributed--thus lessening the strain on your knees.
7. Get yourself seated on a chair, then place a fist in between your knees. Squeeze your knees together and hold for a count of 10. Relax for a count of 3 seconds and do it 10 times.

Mary Lee Scully (Author)
http://www.maryleescully.blogspot.com

Exercising your knees and legs, is a wonderful and most effective therapy for Knee Arthritis. Exercise helps to increase mobility and flexibility of your knee joints--thus reducing pain and stiffness. To see results, you have to do it regularly and consistently..

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What Is SjoGrens Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is a condition that decreases your body's secretions of tears and saliva. This leads to dry eyes (known medically as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS) and dry mouth (known as xerostomia).

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder, which implies that your body's immune system unwittingly attacks your own cells, believing them to be dangerous invaders like viruses and bacteria. The lymphocytes (one of many types of immune cells) in patients with the disease selectively attack moisture-producing glandular tissues.

The salivary (saliva-producing) and lachrymal (tear-producing) glands are singularly threatened, as well as the sweat-producing glands in your skin. The capacity to produce saliva and tears is inexorably impaired, leading to dry mouth and dry eyes.

The abnormal condition is also classified as a chronic rheumatic autoimmune disease. The organs of persons with the condition extrude auto-antibodies such as rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibodies. There are close approximations between Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis (inflammation in many muscles), and dermatomyositis (inflammation in muscles plus distinctive skin rash).

Women account for more than 90 per cent of Sjögren's syndrome patients, especially those about 50 years of age. Children under 15 years old may also be afflicted.

Dry Eye Symptoms

The most generally noticed manifestation is the feeling of having a foreign matter in the eye, or of grittiness or sandiness. Burning feelings are also felt. You may notice accumulations of thick strings of mucous around the inner corners of the eyelids, especially after sleeping. You may experience redness in the eye, hyper-sensitivity to light, and blurry vision as if a filmy curtain is blocking the view. Reports about difficulty with watching television and reading are numerous, as well as general eye discomfort. But although tear production is limited, there are few complaints about being unable to cry.

Dry Mouth Symptoms
The widespread symptoms include chewing, swallowing, and speaking difficulties; food getting stuck on the inner cheek; unfamiliar taste or smell sensations; cracking in the tongue, mucous membranes, and lips (the corners of the mouth are particularly vulnerable); and, pervasive tooth decay. Patients feel the impulse to drink more liquids, especially at mealtimes or when consuming toast or a cracker.

There may also be dryness in the nose, throat and larynx, windpipe and bronchial tubes. The dryness may cause nosebleeds, hoarseness in the throat, bronchitis or pneumonia, and even problems in the middle ear. The parotid gland (where one feels the mumps) becomes enlarged in half of Sjögren's syndrome patients.

In more severe cases, prescription medicine or surgery may be more effective for treatment. The doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to obtain relief from specific manifestations such as arthritis. For more widespread symptoms, your doctor may recommend immune-suppressive medications or certain malaria-treatment drugs.

Minor surgery can be employed for relieving dry eye symptoms. This generally involves closing off the tear ducts with permanent silicone (or temporary collagen) plugs. The plugs are called punctal plugs since they are attached at the puncta, the points in your eye where tears start draining out. Alternatively, a laser may be used to create a permanent seal.

For less severe symptoms, the doctor may give artificial tears or special eyedrops. Cyclosporine in a castor oil base is a mainstay prescription medication that reduces inflammation in the tear glands, inducing them to produce more tears.

You can use appropriate accessories to cover the eyes in windy environments. If you are indoors, do not go near the cooling vent or other devices that may blow vigorous airflows into your eyes. Try to increase the indoor humidity to lower the tear loss from your eyes due to evaporation. Also, do not forget to always drink plenty of water.

Learn more about how to treat Sjogren's Syndrome here. Visit ComfortEye for additional information about Sjogren's Syndrome and dry eye related problems.

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Scleroderma Treatment Gives Hope For the Chronically Ill

Low dose naltrexone has recently garnered attention as a possible treatment for autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, cancer and some other illnesses. Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, which means that it blocks opioid receptors in the brain and thus eliminates the feeling of pleasure caused by e.g. drinking alcohol, because our endogenous opioids (endorphins) cannot bind to the receptors. But when used in very small doses (less than 1/10 of the normal dose) naltrexone can be used to stimulate the release of endorphins.

History

Low dose naltrexone was pioneered by the neurologist Bernard Bihari in the early 1980s, when he was studying medications used for drug and alcohol withdrawal. He noticed that very small doses of naltrexone (initially 3 mg) taken at bedtime only blocked the opioid receptors transiently, which stimulated the body to produce more of its endogenous opioids and produced no significant side effects.

Bihari tried LDN as a treatment for HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis, two conditions that have been shown to be associated with low levels of beta endorphin, one of the most important endogenous opioids. In some of his AIDS patients the blood levels of beta endorphin as much as tripled when using low dose naltrexone.

Patients also experienced marked clinical improvement. The MS symptoms (especially fatigue) were relieved and the illness progression seemed to halt. Most patients never experienced a single MS attack after the initiation of low dose naltrexone. Patients infected with HIV had their viral counts drop radically and their CD4 counts subsequently went up. As a result the rates opportunistic infections and AIDS related malignancies decreased.

Later development

Encouraged by his success Bihari and other doctors began trying LDN for other conditions, such as other autoimmune illnesses and cancer, often with great results. The support from the patient community has been overwhelming. Patients with MS have collected money for clinical trials and there have even been three conferences on LDN and the fourth one is scheduled for October 2008.

A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that 89% of patients with Crohn's disease were improved on LDN and 67% achieved a full remission. There are clinical trials currently running for multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, autism, fibromyalgia, pancreatic cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (head and neck cancer). A large HIV/AIDS study is also running in Mali, West Africa.

Illnesses that can be treated with LDN

LDN has been successfully used to treat the following conditions:

Autoimmune diseases

• multiple sclerosis
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE/LED)
• rheumatoid arthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis
• pemphigoid
• sarcoidosis
• scleroderma
• Crohn's disease
• ulcerative colitis
• celiac disease
• psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
• Wegener's granulomatosis
• transverse myelitis

Cancers

• bladder cancer
• breast cancer
• carcinoid tumor
• colorectal cancer
• glioblastoma
• liver cancer
• non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC)
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• lymphoma (both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's)
• melanoma
• multiple myeloma
• neuroblastoma
• ovarian cancer
• pancreatic cancer
• prostate cancer
• renal cell carcinoma
• throat cancer
• uterine cancer

Other illnesses

• HIV/AIDS
• hepatitis C
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
• autism
• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Behcet's disease
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, emphysema)
• endometriosis
• fibromyalgia
• chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)
• irritated bowel syndrome (IBS)

LDN may possibly also work for e.g. myasthenia gravis, antiphospholipid syndrome/Hughes syndrome, narcolepsy (a possibly autoimmune condition), interstitial cystitis, chronic Lyme disease/post Lyme syndrome, acne, rosacea, chronic urticaria, dementia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), cluster headaches, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has been reported to be helpful in insomnia and migraine prevention.

Mode of action

Endorphins are often associated with the pleasant feeling we get from e.g. exercise, but they are more than just that. Beta endorphin and met enkephalin, another opioid peptide produced by the body have profound effects on the immune system. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that met enkephalin acts as an anti-cancer agent. Beta endorphin levels have shown to be low in HIV/AIDS, many autoimmune conditions and e.g. migraine.

Autoimmune illnesses have been traditionally seen as manifestations of an overactive immune system and are usually treated with immunosuppressants, but more and more data is emerging that suggests that autoimmune conditions may in fact be forms of immunedeficiency, explaining why LDN, an immunostimulant, works for them.

Clinical effects

In most autoimmune diseases the disease progression halts. Symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, muscle weakness and cognitive problems are often alleviated, as well. In degenerative conditions like ALS and Alzheimer's the illness progression is slowed down. The lipodystrophy caused by antiretroviral (HIV) drugs usually improves significantly.

Bihari reports that a halt in cancer growth occurs in about 50% of the cancer patients he treats. Some of these patients show objective signs of tumor shrinkage. Some patients who have been deemed terminal with little time left are still alive and doing well years later, such as one with pancreatic cancer (one of the deadliest cancers) whose case was published in Integrative Cancer Therapies.

According to Bihari LDN works best for the following cancers: multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, breast cancer, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (including the pancreas) and non-small cell lung cancer. That isn't to say that cancer patients should ditch their existing treatments, but LDN can be combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Some patients only undergo surgery or are considered not to benefit from conventional treatment, so they would be good candidates for LDN.

How it is used

LDN is taken every night between 9 PM and 3 AM, as the body produces most of its endorphins during the early morning hours. There are usually no side effects. Some people experience problems with sleeping during the first week. Nausea, feeling "high", gas and bloating and hunger pangs may occur in the beginning and usually go away in a few days. In patients with MS spasticity may transiently worsen. It may take anywhere between a day and a few months to notice improvement.

LDN can safely be taken with all other medications, foods or supplements, but because it is an opiate antagonist it cannot be combined with any narcotic painkillers (opiates), including tramadol, and taking it with immunosuppressive drugs (like corticosteroids) may cause the drugs to "cancel out" each other's effects, as LDN is an immunostimulant. The only contraindication is a past organ transplant, because taking an immunostimulant might lead to graft rejection.

Any doctor can prescribe LDN as an "ex tempore" prescription, to be filled by a compounding pharmacy. Some people use foreign pharmacies, as it is legal in most countries to order medications from abroad with a valid prescription. LDN may be formulated as capsules or liquid, but the liquid has to be refrigerated and is less convenient when traveling. It is recommended that calcium carbonate is not used as a filler for tablets.

The recommended dose is 4.5 mg, but some people, especially those who are very slim and those with severe MS, only take 3 mg. Often prescriptions are written for 1.5 mg capsules so that the patient can try taking either two or three at once. LDN is also relatively inexpensive, usually costing between $15 and $40 a month.

Maija Haavisto is a journalist, medical writer and the author of the most comprehensive book published about treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, fibromyalgia and related conditions. "Reviving the Broken Marionette: Treatments for CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia" features more than 250 different medications that can be used to treat these debilitating illnesses.

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Diabetic Rash Signs and Scleroderma

Did you know there are symptoms that may indicate you might have diabetes? One common indication that many individuals overlook are skin changes. Developing a rash that is darkened or raised on the skin is referred to as a diabetes rash. It is a warning sign and a doctor will give you a blood test to confirm his concerns.

Early diagnosis is important because it can lessen your risks of developing a full blown version of the disease. Although diabetes is often genetic, there are many preventative measures that you can take early on to limit its effect on your life. Different rashes have different indicators that you should be on the watch for. For example, be on the lookout for eczema and diabetes dermopathy. What does diabetes dermopathy look like? It often appears on the skin as dark, depressed spots. In most cases, it appears on the legs. Diabetes dermopathy can mix with dermatitis.

Another type of skin blemish that can signal the onset of diabetes is called Scleroderma Diabeticorum. This blemish usually appears as thickening skin on the back and the neck. Remember that many skin blemishes that are precursors to diabetes appear on the skin in the shape of rings or arcs. Blemishes generally appear on or around the chest, abdomen, fingers, legs, and/or ears. Blisters are also indicators that may appear on the toes and the fingers.

In some cases the formation of the rashes discussed in this article are caused by an allergic reaction or a change in insulin levels. Regardless of the exact cause, if you find yourself showing warning signs of one of these rashes, it would be prudent to consult a physician. A professional opinion is both wise and proactive to seek.

Rashes can also be due to many reasons such as insect bites, contact dermatitis or stress so don't draw any conclusions without proper analysis.

Find Out About Diabetes As Well As Common Rashes

Learn about Diabetic Rash Signs and Drug Rash issues.

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Thomas Addison an English Physician

ADDISON'S DISEASE (Addison's Anaemia, Addison-Schilder Disease)

Addison's disease is a rare endocrine or hormonal disorder resulting from primary adrenal insufficiency. The disease is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, hypotension and increased skin pigmentation. It may occur after severe infection, massive adrenal bleeding, amyloidosis or surgical removal of the adrenal glands. Mostly the cause is unknown.

Thomas Addison was born in Long Beaton, near Newcastle in 1793, the same year that Marie Antoinette was found guilty of treason and was beheaded on the guillotine. He chose a remarkably similar career path to Hodgkins (Hodgkin's Disease) and Bright (Bright's Disease), graduating from Edinburgh University (1815), and then moving back to London to pursue a medical career at Guy's Hospital for the Incurables (1820). This hospital was founded in 1726, mainly as an overflow hospital for the neighbouring St Thomas's, which was working beyond its capacity. It maintained an emphasis on materia medica and medical treatment rather than on surgery, which remained the St Thomas's speciality. Addison was appointed assistant physician to the hospital in 1824, and lecturer in charge of materia medica three years later. It was 1827, the same year that Ludwig Beethoven died in Vienna following complications of pneumonia and dropsy.

Of passing interest is the fact that Addison like Beethoven, suffered from severe depression, developed deafness and was a brilliant teacher. But the similarity ends there. In 1802, Beethoven wrote the famous "Heiligenstädter Testament" to his two brothers, in which he confessed his misery and his wish to commit suicide. He of course recovered, but Addison's depression deteriorated and it is less known that he eventually committed suicide by jumping out of an upstairs window and fracturing his skull. Addison remained shy and introspective and consequently built up a poor practice. He pioneered worked on the adrenal glands and in 1849, noted that tuberculosis was found at autopsy in 70 to 90 percent of cases of adrenal insufficiency. In 1855, he published a controversial paper on 'the constitutional and local effects of the suprarenal capsule', to which many Scottish physicians, particularly Bennett disagreed with the findings.

It was largely because of Trousseau (Trousseau's Sign) that the paper was eventually validated and this physician is remembered for calling the disease of adrenal insufficiency after Thomas Addison. He is also accredited for giving medical eponyms to both Graves and Hodgkin's disease. Addison worked with many famous physicians during his period in Guy's, including William Gull (Gull's disease), with whom he first described the condition xanthoma diabeticorum. We remember Gull for describing the condition of hypothyroidism and for unsuccessfully treating Prince Albert after he contracted typhoid in 1861.Queen Victoria never recovered from her grief after his death and withdrew from social activities and dressed in black for many years thereafter. He also worked with Bright (Bright's disease), with whom he tried to publish a medical text and is remembered for having contributed to most of the work on the volume.

He was the first doctor to describe circumscribed scleroderma, which is still known as Addison's keloid in some parts of the world. He was also the first doctor to show that pneumonia occurred in the alveolar tissue and not in the interstitial cells. He described the progressive dysfunction of the adrenal gland associated with changes in brain tissue. This condition was later researched by the Austrian neurologist Schilder who noted loss of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells in the brain and the condition became known as Adrenoleukodystrophy or Addison -Schilder Disease.

Addison jumped to his death in 1860, the same year that Senator William Gwin of California and William H. Russell, of Missouri businessman bought 400 fast horses, hired 80 riders, and established the Pony Express Service.

Who am I?

South African Physician who graduated from Edinburgh and served with the RAMC in Africa during the First World War. In 1937 he became Professor of Medicine in Cairo on the advice of Sir Alexander Fleming. He died in London in 1959 and is remembered for giving his name to an autosomal nephritis associated with nerve deafness.

A.C. Alport

Dr. Patrick Treacy is a cosmetic expert. He is Medical Director of Ailesbury Clinics Ltd and the global Cosmetic Medical Group. He is Chairman of the Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors and is Irish Regional Representative of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. He is European Medical Advisor to Network Lipolysis and the UK's largest cosmetic website Consulting Rooms. He practices cosmetic medicine in his clinics in Dublin, Cork, London and the Middle East.

Dr. Treacy is on the Specialist Register in the UK and Ireland and holds higher qualifications in Dermatology and Laser technology and skin resurfacing. He was amongst the first doctors worldwide to use the permanent facial endoprosthesis BioAlcamid for HIV Lipodystrophy patients. He was also the first person to introduce many techniques such as Radiofrequency assisted lasers, Fibroblast transplant and Contour Threads to Irish patients.

Dr. Treacy is an advanced Botox, Dysport and Dermal filler trainer and has trained over 300 doctors and nurses from around the world. He is also a renowned international guest speaker and features regularly on national television and radio programmes. He was invited to speak about stem cells and cosmetic medicine at the World Aesthetic Conference in Moscow this year.

The Irish College of Cosmetic Doctors
The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors
The British Medical Laser Association
The American Society for Aesthetic Medicine
The American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery The European Society of Laser Dermatology
The European Society for Dermatological Surgery (ESDS)
The International Society for Dermatologic Surgery
The International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology

Dr. Treacy is the European Representative for the NetWork-Lipolysis where he is on the Medical Advisory Board and the Scientific Advisory Board. Ailesbury Clinics Ltd Suite 6 Merrion Road Ailesbury Road Dublin 4 Ireland
Ailesbury Clinic
Phone +35312692255/2133 Fax +35312692250
http://www.ailesburyclinic.ie

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Lupus Erythematosus Skin Disorders

Hyperthyroidism.

Autoimmune thyroid disease of the hypermetabolic type (Graves disease) is reflected by several visible changes. The skin is soft and moist. Scalp hair is thin in diameter, and evidence of diffuse alopecia may be present. Vitiligo occurs in 5% to 10%, and alopecia areata occurs in 1 % or 2% of the patients. Onycholysis of the fingernails is sometimes seen. Late in the course of the disease a few patients develop a peculiar form of clubbing (thyroid acropachy) or pretibial myxedema. The latter consists of thickened, pebbly, skin-colored plaques over the lower anterior shins. These plaques are usually asymptomatic.

Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with diabetes mellitus may develop a number of cutaneous changes. The yellow plaques of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum most often located on the anterior shins, are the most distinctive of these changes.Small, hypopigmented, slightly depressed scars (diabetic dermopathy) are also occasionally found on the anterior lower legs. These lesions probably represent obliterative small vessel disease in an area prone to trauma. Bullous lesions somewhat similar in appearance to those of pemphigoid may arise from otherwise normal-appearing skin around the feet and ankles. The cause of these blisters is unknown. Eruptive xanthomas consisting of small, smooth, pink, dome-shaped papules may appear in a sudden shower of lesions in those whose diabetes is grossly out of control. Staphylococcal bacterial infections and candidal yeast infections are seen with increased frequency in diabetic persons. Diabetes is also associated with a variety of other cutaneous and medical conditions.

Neurofibromatosis

The presence of sharply marginated, light brown patches (cafe-au-lait patches) is often the first clue to the presence of von Recklinghausen's disease . In late childhood or during the teenage years, axillary freckling and cutaneous neurofibromas begin to develop. The latter are soft, smooth-surfaced, peduncuated papules 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter. They vary in number from several to hundreds and are distributed randomly over the trunk and extremities. Patients with the most severe forms of neurofibromatosis may develop large, grotesque, sack-like plexiform neuromas. A small proportion of these latter lesions undergo sarcomatous degeneration.

Tuberous Sclerosis

The earliest sign of tuberous sclerosis is generally the presence of small, faint white, oval patches (ash leaf spots) scattered randomly on the trunk and extremities . These lesions may be present at birth or may develop in early childhood. One or more thickened skin-colored plaques (shagreen plaques) may appear on the lower back in late childhood. Towards puberty, pinhead-sized, smooth, red, dome-shaped papules (adenoma sebaceum) begin to emerge on the central portion of the face. The upper lip is spared. Such lesions are easily mistaken for acne papules. Finally, in adult life, small, firm, skin-colored, subungual or periungual fibromas may be noted.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome.

This dominantly inherited condition is characterized by the presence of small brown or blackfreckles that appear in clusters on and around the lips and on the fingertips. These pigmentary changes are accompanied by the development of intestinal polyps. Carcinomatous degeneration of these polyps is not common but does occur.

Osler-Weber-Reudu Syndrome

This dominantly inherited condition, also known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, is characterized by the presence of small, dusky red, clustered manlles on the fingertips, lips, and mucosal surfaces. These macules are composed of multiple telangiectatic vessels that blanch on pressure. Lesions similar to these may also .occur in patients with the CRST (calcification, Raynaud's phenomenon, scleroderma, and telangiectasia) variant of scleroderma. Patients with this disease have recurrent episodes of epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding. Arteriovenous fistulae are sometimes present in the lungs and liver.

Looking for more information about beauty skin care and skin conditions? Also, know more about rare skin diseases

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Help Your Disease and Sickness With Nutrition

Who is at risk for getting autoimmune diseases? Women tend to be affected more often by autoimmune disorders; nearly 79% of autoimmune disease patients in the USA are women.These diseases can affect connective tissue in your body (the tissue which binds together body tissues and organs).Autoimmune disorders are diseases caused by the body producing an inappropriate immune response against its own tissues. Autoimmune disorders fall into two general types: those that damage many organs (systemic autoimmune diseases) and those where only a single organ or tissue is directly damaged by the autoimmune process (localized).

Autoimmune diseases: A group of disorders in which the primary cause is the anti inflammatory reaction caused by the bodies own immune system attacking tissues. Autoimmune diseases tend to cluster in families and in individuals (a person with one autoimmune disease is more likely to get another), which indicates that common mechanisms are involved in disease susceptibility. Autoimmunity is not contagious, but the genes a child inherits from parents can influence whether a child will develop autoimmune conditions. In autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, pernicious anemia, myasthenia gravis, and Hashimoto's disease, specific cells uncontrollably attack the body's own tissues. Approximately 75 percent of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most frequently during the childbearing years and do not spread to other people like infections. Women have fatigue, stiffness and weakness when suffering from a autoimmune disease. There is a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases is seen in winter months as people stay indoors and the air is dry, stale & exposure to viruses indoor.

Autoimmune diseases are workable in day to day activities to make you feel better. First, eat a healthy diet. Give your immune system a boost and be as healthy as you can be! The list of nutrients that you need for a healthy immune system is long. The body is made up largely of proteins, so its health depends upon its freedom from damage (as through oxidation or glycation) and upon its timely removal as part of normal protein turnover. Always consult your own doctor if you are in any way concerned about your health.

Your body's immune system protects you from disease and infection. One of the ways your immune system rebuilds itself is through sleeping and is a great way you can help both your body and mind. Rest allows your body tissues and joints the time they need to repair. The immune system is the body's most specialized defense mechanism. In a healthy body, circulating antibodies attack and destroy pathogenic invaders. The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and control the autoimmune process while maintaining the body's ability to fight disease. Most patients need supplements to replenish a hormone or vitamin that the body is lacking. The body's antioxidant system and other lines of defense cannot completely protect proteins. Nature's second line of defense is the body's system for repairing or removing damaged proteins. While some protein repair mechanisms exist, it is difficult for the body to repair most protein damage. It can be compared to a piece of metal rusting and results from the action of damaging molecules known as free radicals that are a natural byproduct of the body's metabolism.

It has also been suggested that the slight exchange of cells between mothers and their children during pregnancy may induce autoimmunity. Overexposure to pesticides and toxins may also induce autoimmunity. Your immune system can be boosted by changes made in eating and exercise routines.

Nutritionists recommend a diet high in fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains, brown rice, low-fat dairy products, fish and poultry. Nutrition and nutritional status can have profound effects on immune functions, resistance to infection and autoimmunity in humans. Alternative treatments including natural medicine and nutritional therapy have been shown to have an impact on the activity of the disease. As patients with scleroderma sometimes develop gastrointestinal problems and are needed intravenous nutrition of long duration, they should be paid attention to lack of trace elements that can be a cause of hematologic complications.

What we come back to is that we need to take care of our health in every way possible. Anybody can take supplements whether you are sick or not. Good nutrition is a necessity for every human being on this earth!

Quality of life is important for those afflicted with an immune system disease and Chuck Arnone can guide them to some useful information!

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Scleroderma the Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue, is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the skin and organs of the body. While the cause of scleroderma is not known, genetic and environmental factors are known to play an important role in its occurrence. This disease, which is more frequent in females than in males, can be divided into two major groups, diffuse and limited, depending upon the degree and location of skin involvement. The diffuse type, also known as systemic sclerosis, is more widespread over the body and also involves internal organs.

Autoimmune diseases are illnesses which occur when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. The Ayurvedic treatment of scleroderma hence first focuses on regulating the immune system by using medicines like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) and Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia).

Since fibrosis (scar formation) is the hallmark of this disease, the next obvious principle of treatment is reduction or reversal of fibrosis, wherever present in the body. For this, medicines used are: Punarnavadi Guggulu, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Rasayan Vati, Arogya Vardhini, Yashtimadhuk, Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guduchi, Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Patol (Tricosanthe dioica).

In addition, patients need to be treated for the specific tissue, organ or system involvement that they are suffering from. Involvement of the skin causes redness, swelling, itching and pain; and gradually leads to skin hardening and limitation of movement. These symptoms can be treated using local ointments and medicines like Arogya Vardhini, Kaishor Guggulu, Yashtimadhuk, Manjishtha, Guduchi and Gokshur. Scleroderma causes acid reflux in the esophagus (food pipe) causing heartburn. This can be treated using medicines like Shankh Bhasma, Kamdudha Vati and Laghu Sutshekhar, in addition to taking appropriate preventive measures.

Scleroderma frequently causes Reynaud's phenomenon, a condition in which the tips of fingers, toes, nose, tongue and ears turn blue, white and then red after exposure to cold, heat or even with an emotional upset. Scleroderma also causes the capillaries of the face, lips, mouth and fingers to dilate, creating tiny, red, blanching spots called telangiectasias. Both these conditions can be treated using medicines like Tapyadi Loha, Manjishtha and Saariva. A highly elevated blood pressure is best treated with modern anti-hypertensive medications.

Inflammation of the lungs can be treated using medicines like Kantakari (Solanum surattense), Brihat Kantakari (Solanum indicum), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Yashtimadhuk, Pippali, Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa) and Sitopaadi Churna. By affecting the large bowel, scleroderma can cause either severe constipation or diarrhea. These conditions can be treated using medicines like Triphala (Three fruits), Kutki, Psyllium (Plantago ovata), Musta and Kutaj.

Scleroderma is a medical condition with a lot of unanswered questions. The conventional management of scleroderma is directed towards treating the individual features that are most troublesome. The addition of Ayurvedic treatment can definitely help to reverse the basic pathology, and improve the overall outlook of this disease.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com

The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 23 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.

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What Is Scleroderma

What Are The Symptoms Of Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease which is shown by hardening or sclerosis most commonly in the skin but could also show in other organs. Being an autoimmune disease, it happens when the body’s tissues are being attacked by its own immune system. The most visible sign of scleroderma is the formation of scar tissue in the skin or in the affected area which would lead to having that area being much firmer and thicker. When scleroderma happens to different parts of the body all at the same time, it could be referred to as systematic sclerosis.

Systematic sclerosis can be fatal as it could result to kidney, heart, intestinal or lung damage. The other form of sclerosis which is known as morphea would tend not to be fatal but could cripple and affected individual.

What Causes It?

As of now, there is no known cause for scleroderma. Some would say that genes would play a heavy role and others would say that it is more environmental than it is genetic. Since genes are said to play a role in this, inheritance also has its part therefore, it would not be unusual to find other relatives of a scleroderma patient to be later on affected with it. Scleroderma also occurs more in females than it does on males.

Although there is no definite cause of scleroderma, there are various theories that can be relied on in basis of scleroderma treatment. Since it is so, every treatment for scleroderma is patient specific and are only made to alleviate a patient for symptoms like relief from pain, cure for hardening skin and other specific symptoms. Hardening of the skin has been treated many times successfully with the use of PUVA, d-penicllamine and cyclosporine.

How Do You Know You Have It?

Symptoms of scleroderma are rather unique and you would know immediately if you have it if some of the symptoms would show. If you have scar tissues couple with pain on some parts of your skin most commonly being the knees and elbows then it is mostly sure that you have scleroderma. Take note that this does not develop immediately but rather over time, if you have it in some parts of the skin, it could still spread or develop into another illness.

If you show any symptoms of it, then you should see your doctor immediately to get diagnosed. The diagnosis of this disease is based on clinical findings of the illness. Most likely, your doctor would have you undergo a blood test to see how your antibodies are affecting you. Other tests would include gastrointestinal tests to see how bowel movement is, lung function testing, x-rays, and test to see how the heart is doing.

Scleroderma Treatment

Since scleroderma has no known cause, treatment for it is aimed towards relieving a patient of specific symptoms rather than in attempt to entirely relieve the patient for scleroderma. Being that, a patient who has it is some organs would be treated only to relieve him or her from the symptoms it would bring about.

Since scleroderma is an autoimmune disease, some of the most common approaches for it would involve the use of immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprene, mycophenolate and methotrexate. As for patients whose lungs would get involved, they could benefit from oxygen therapy which could relieve them from shortness of breath and increase blood oxygen level of which they are most likely deprived of.

Treatments For Scleroderma

How Is Scleroderma Treated?

As of today, there is no known cure for scleroderma. Medications that are prescribed are made to cure a patient of symptoms brought about by scleroderma and not to cure scleroderma itself. This is because scleroderma does not have a known cause and with that, doctors go by various theories in knowing what causes it. Some would say that it is very much genetic and others might say that it is caused by unwanted factors in the environment such as viruses and bacteria. None of these theories however are proven to be correct.

Because there is no specific medicine that would cure scleroderma, scleroderma treatment is patient-specific and is usually catered for a single organ or an affected area like for example; a patient who has a heart problem caused by scleroderma would take medications that would relieve him or her from those or a patient with lung problems would go through therapy to restore normal lung activity.

Diagnosing Scleroderma

If spots or thick spots would occur on your skin coupled by limitation in the function of some of your organs, then you could be a victim of scleroderma. With this, your doctor would have you undergo some physical tests for him to be able to know what approaches should be taken in treating your condition and what medications you would be needing if you need any.

Most of the time, diagnosis for scleroderma is started with a blood test for the doctor to see how your antibodies are doing, since scleroderma is an autoimmune illness it refers to having the antibodies attack the tissue instead of protecting it. Through different ways of diagnosis depending on which areas are affected, the doctor should be able to know what you will need or how you will be able to manage with your condition.

Medications For Scleroderma

Scleroderma can bring about inflammation in different organs that would cause pain or discomfort so to relieve a patient from this, a doctor could prescribe him or her anti-inflammatory medicines this of which would include corticosteroids or ibuprofen. Depending on the case, some would need to be more careful about administrating them and others would need them along with therapy.

Another popular approach in treating scleroderma would be by the use of immunosuppressive therapy since scleroderma’s main concept is a dysfunction in the immune system and immunosuppressive medications basically limit the effects of the immune system to the body. There have been several drugs that have been made in attempt to do this however, only a few have been proven to do this effectively those of which are cyclophosphamide, antithymocite globulin, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine and methotrexate.

Things To Be Aware Of

While medicine can be taken to relieve a patient from the different sufferings brought about by scleroderma, you should be aware that these are only given to prevent further damage or to relieve specific symptoms. It is never in attempt to completely remove scleroderma in a patient and unfortunately, having a patient completely freed from scleroderma is still not very possible today. These medications however have been proven to give relief.

With that at hand, you should also be able to be in control of your condition. Since you have this, you should take care of yourself more. Ask your doctor about some things or activities that you can do for you to be able to manage living with scleroderma easier and abide by these.

Managing life with scleroderma might not be easy but it is very possible and it is the best way to enjoy life even with a condition.

Systemic Sclerosis Diagnosis And Treatment

Definition

Scleroderma comes mainly in two forms, the localized form of which would only affect a single area and another from which would affect internal organs known as systemic sclerosis. The localized form is also known as “morphea” and although it could disable a patient, it would not be fatal most of the time. Systematic sclerosis however, since it interferes with the internal organs and their functions would be fatal most of the time. Common cases of death from systemic sclerosis are renal and lung related cases.

Scleroderma occurs when your antibodies would attack your tissues instead of protecting them that in turn would lead to the development of scar tissue on the affected areas or thicken it. Women are four times more likely to develop this disease than men are and it usually develops within 30 to 40 years of age. This disease is inherent in the Native American Choctaw race and African-American women and rarely occurs to North Asians. It also rarely occurs in children.

What Can Cause Systemic Sclerosis?

It is known that scleroderma is an autoimmune disease however, only part of the pathogenesis is understood and because of that, medical experts have developed various theories that would refer to the causes of scleroderma. One theory would say that scleroderma is largely environmental and is brought about by unwanted factors in the environment such as bacteria and viruses while another would say that it is genetic and with that, heredity plays a big role.

Some of the substances which are suspected to cause scleroderma are insecticides, epoxy resin, appetite suppressants, silicone implants, drugs and some amino acid compounds. One medical expert also said that the fetal matter left after pregnancy that is still running in the bloodstream can also cause systemic scleroderma. These theories however are not yet proven.

What Can Happen To A Systemic Sclerosis Patient?

A patient with systemic sclerosis can have limited functions in various organs at the same time, most of the time being with the heart, kidneys and lungs. With that, a patient will also show the illness through some visible factors that can be seen especially in the face, neck, fingers, elbows, knees and toenails. If not managed effectively, systemic sclerosis can spread onto other organs or could develop into another disease other than scleroderma.

When it comes to systemic sclerosis, renal and lung related problems are usually the common causes for mortalities. Pulmonary hypertension, which is one of the most common causes of deaths in systemic sclerosis accounts for about 12% of all deaths.

How Can Systemic Sclerosis Be Treated?

Since the cause of scleroderma is not yet known, there is also no known medication for scleroderma instead, the approach for treating systemic sclerosis is patient specific and would depend on which organs are affected by it. Treatment is also focused for limiting the damages done by scleroderma and for alleviating symptoms rather than completely remove scleroderma from a patient.

Treatment is usually done by medications that would vary depending on the case and on which organs are affected. Alternative medications are also given to people who cannot be helped or would develop side effects from the medications that were first taken. For some cases especially for those having problems with organ function, they would have to undergo therapy that would attempt to restore normal organ activity.

Symptoms, Causes And Treating Of Scleroderma

What Is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that deals particularly with the connective tissues. These connective tissues act like glue between our cells and can be found at almost all parts of our bodies. Since it is an autoimmune disease, it is characterized by having the body’s immune system attack itself instead of protecting it, causing the development of scar tissue and the limiting of the functions of some of the affected organs.

If scleroderma affects more than one area, then that case is known as systemic sclerosis. The more common form of this which would only affect one organ, most commonly the skin is known as morphea. This case, although it could disable a victim would not be fatal most of the time. Systemic sclerosis on the other hand could tend to be fatal.

Who Can Get It?

As of this time, there is still no known cause of scleroderma however, cases have appeared in every gender, age and race although it is more likely to develop in others than it is on some. Scleroderma is four times more likely to appear in women than it is on men and it usually develops somewhere between the ages of 30 to 50. It is also inherent in the Native American Choctaw tribe and in African American women. Scleroderma rarely appears in children.

While there has been no known cause, medical experts have some theories regarding the causes of it. One would be that it is genetic or is a result of heredity or genetic defects. Some would also say that it is environmental, that it is caused by unwanted substances in the environment such as bacteria and viruses. Since the common category for victims of scleroderma would have women that are between the ages 30 and 50, a theory also said that the fetal matter that is left over after pregnancy can cause scleroderma even after years of giving birth. None of these theories however are proven yet.

What Could Happen To A Scleroderma Patient?

Depending on the case, different patients would have different outlooks on scleroderma. Those with limited scleroderma or those who have it on a small area have a considerably good outlook. Most of the time, their case would develop further into another disease other than scleroderma. It is more likely for a case of scleroderma to develop since there is no known treatment for scleroderma.

As for those with systemic scleroderma or those with organ involvement, the outlook is very much negative. Scleroderma is more common in women than it is in men but scleroderma could kill more men. After diagnosis, about two-thirds of all patients would live for at least 11 years. The older the patients are at the time of diagnosis, the more likely their case of scleroderma is to be fatal.

How Is Scleroderma Treated?

Since scleroderma has no known cause, there is also no known cure. Treatment for scleroderma is focused on preventing further damage and relief from discomforting symptoms rather than attempting to entirely remove the disease from the person. A person with organ involvement would take medications or undergo regular therapy in attempt to restore normal activity with these organs.

Scleroderma treatment would also involve having a healthy lifestyle, which means no vices or any unwholesome activities and less stressful activities. Patients of scleroderma would have to take care of themselves more and they should learn to live with their condition.

Sclerosis And The Joints

Sclerosis is when the skin’s surface would suddenly turn into scar tissue or when one would suddenly experience different problems with internal organs that are brought about when an individual’s immune system would start attacking the tissue of that same body. The most visible symptoms of sclerosis is to have some affected areas in the skin however, to know if one is affected, he or she should get diagnosed by a doctor.

Sclerosis is more common in women than it is in men and is rarely found in children. It also happens between the ages of 30 to 60. While sclerosis would affect the skin as well as some organs, it is also notorious for causing a lot of its victims joint pain. Sclerosis could make its victims have dry joints or make the joint movement more limited and in severe cases, it could cripple the victim.

What Causes It?

So far, the cause for sclerosis has never been identified although medical experts have resulted to developing various theories for the cause of sclerosis. Some medical experts would say that sclerosis is very much genetic; having a case of sclerosis in the family would mean that everyone else is at danger of developing it. Some would also say that it is largely environmental and is mainly caused by factors that can be picked up from the environment.

Basing on the common category this would affect which are women in between the ages 30 to 60, some medical experts have thought that the reason behind scleroderma are the fetal remnants left over that are still circulating in the mother’s bloodstream. They say that even after decades after birth, these could still cause scleroderma. This however is yet to be proven and is not backed by sufficient evidence. Even with the main cause of scleroderma being unknown, a lot of cases have still been managed and treated effectively with the use of medications and other methods.

How Does It Affect Joints?

Scleroderma would affect different organs and body parts differently, the only common thing with how it would affect them is that it would cause the patient pain and would limit the activities of the affected area. As for joints, they become less flexible and would cause sharp pain similar to rheumatism or arthritis. This could also lead to the patient being crippled over time if the symptoms do not improve in time.

This is because the antibodies are attacking the bone itself and could also be attacking the nearby muscles depending on the case. If you would get diagnosed with an x-ray, it would show that the bone is whiter than it should be, that of which indicates degeneration in the bone. If that is so, then that degeneration is expected to get worse by the moment until the bone is very brittle and could later start cracking.

How Is It Treated?

With the cause of scleroderma being yet unknown, there is also no single drug that would cure all cases of it. Treatment for scleroderma is specific depending on the case and on the patient as for joint problems, this is usually done first by having it diagnosed with joint x-rays and if it is confirmed that the bones are affected by scleroderma, the patient then will undergo physical therapy for them to be able to manage having limited movement.

Scleroderma In The Kidneys

Scleroderma means hard skin when directly translated. It is a disease that would cause the surfaces of your skin and other organs to harden into scar tissue and would usually involve pain and a lot of problems that would involve the affected organs. Scleroderma is most common in women that are between the ages 30 to 60 and rarely happens to children.

At most times, scleroderma would only affect a portion of the skin and is usually visible by tight skin in the face and on the fingers. If it starts affecting the organs, then that is a more sever case known as systemic sclerosis. This may affect the lungs, heart, intestines and the kidney. If the kidney is affected by sclerosis, this would limit the kidney’s functions and as well could cause some pain to the patient. It could however be managed and dealt with medical approaches to scleroderma kidney involvement.

What Causes Scleroderma?

As of today, there is still no known cause for scleroderma. Medical experts however have developed numerous theories in attempt of knowing what the causes are. Some would say that it is largely genetic and that a patient of scleroderma would indicate that his or her relatives are also at danger of developing it. Another would say that it is largely environmental and that it is caused by factors that are influenced by the environment surrounding the patient.

A medical expert also theorized with the common category being women aged 30 to 60 as a basis that the fetal remnants left over that are still circulating in the bloodstream can cause sclerosis even after decades after giving birth. None of these theories however have been proven and as of now, the cause of sclerosis still remains unknown and is yet to be found.

How Does Scleroderma Affect The Kidneys?

While scleroderma would occur in the skin in around 95% of all cases, having it develop in the kidneys is also quite common for those who have it. Scleroderma mainly affects the blood vessels that are in the kidneys this of which is known as scleroderma renal crisis. This would lead to a sudden rise in blood pressure of the patient as well as a rapid decline in renal function that would happen over days. This may lead to complete renal failure that in turn can cause death.

Before, the leading cause of death for scleroderma victims was renal crisis. Fortunately, drugs of which are known as Angiotension Converting Enzyme Inhibitors or ACE inhibitors have lessened this number significantly and if that does not work, there are still other medications that would serve the purpose effectively. ACE inhibitors are also used commonly to treat high-blood pressure.

How Are Cases Concerning Kidneys Treated?

While scleroderma has no known cause, it also has no known cure. To relieve a patient from it, treatment for scleroderma would vary depending on the cases and on the individual. For cases concerning the kidneys, it focuses more on blood pressure control with the use of ACE inhibitors. As for people who develop side effects from it, they can use angiotensin receptor blockers. These are so effective and are known to have relieved a lot of patients from cases concerning kidneys.

These medicines however are only made to alleviate a patient from symptoms with the kidneys and are not made to completely relieve a patient from scleroderma.

Scleroderma In The Digestive System

Scleroderma is characterized by the toughening of the affected area, most commonly in the skin or in the organs which could lead to limitation of the organ’s function. This is quite rare as it only affects 14 out of every 1 million people worldwide. Scleroderma affects women more than it affects men and could develop somewhere between the ages of 30 to 50. It is also inherent in the Native American Choctaw tribe and in African-American women. Scleroderma is rarely found in children.

While cases of scleroderma that would only affect the skin would most likely not be fatal but could cripple the patient, the severe form of it which is called systemic scleroderma or is characterized by having scleroderma affect various parts of the body can be lethal and has been proven so in many cases. After the skin which is the most common case which would account for 95% to 100% of all cases, it is followed by gastro-intestinal involvement in scleroderma which would account for 70% to 90%

How Is The Digestive System Involved In Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease. Being that, it mainly interferes with the immune system and having them attack the body instead of protecting it. Scleroderma can affect all organs of the digestive system, either just one organ or the entire system at the same time. It start with the esophagus; if scleroderma is present in the esophagus, then peristalsis is more difficult as the food track is tighter making it less able to push food down.

Gastro-intestinal involvement in scleroderma usually starts off with the esophagus and gradually makes its way down lower into the large intestine. If it makes its way past the stomach, then the patient will start having problems with digesting food. This is because the stomach now lacks blood vessels because it has been limited by scleroderma. Worst case scenario of this is that everything from the esophagus to the rectum would be affected. Unfortunately, this is very possible.

How Is This Treated?

As of today, there is no known cause for scleroderma and because of that, diagnosis is mainly based on symptoms. Doctors can start off by giving a patient medication to help ease him or her of the symptoms. These medications are given in attempt to lessen acid production but if that does not do anything, then procedures that are specific to the affected area are done to relieve a patient of discomforting symptoms.

Medications however are only given to relieve a patient from the effects brought about by scleroderma and not to entirely remove scleroderma from a patient. The cause of scleroderma is unknown and with that, there is no known medicine. Treatment for scleroderma is patient-specific even when it comes to gastro-intestinal involvement. This however can be managed effectively with the help of medical procedures.

How Is This Diagnosed?

If medications do not work or if a patient would develop side effects, then that is where one should have medical procedures. If the esophagus is affected, some medical procedures that can help would be endoscopy, barium swallow and esophageal manometry.

If the stomach is affected, then the patient could also have barium swallow which is similar the one referring to esophageal involvement and a gastric emptying study of which a person eats small amounts of material followed by taking x-rays of their stomach.

Scleroderma and Renal Problems

Scleroderma renal crisis is the term used to describe kidney involvement in scleroderma because of the very much discomforting symptoms brought about by it that indeed puts the patient into a crisis. This happens when scleroderma, of which the cause is unknown, would reach the kidneys, limiting blood supply to it and limiting its functions or totally impairing it. This condition could only happen to those with the diffuse form of scleroderma which is called limited sclerosis.

Kidney involvement in scleroderma would usually start of as an increase in blood pressure then would later show more signs within weeks or days. Scleroderma renal crisis is mainly associated with a decrease in kidney function, the appearance of protein in urine and in severe cases, accompanied by heart failure.

How Does This Develop?

Scleroderma would usually start of in the skin in the form of calcinosis or Raynaud’s phenomenon. If it sticks with those symptoms, then that case of scleroderma is most likely limited scleroderma or CREST which is the milder form of the illness. Although this can disable, it would tend most of the time not to be fatal. However, if it spreads to the internal organs, the kidneys in particular, then that would be the beginning of scleroderma renal involvement.

The connective tissues in the kidneys are the ones that are primarily involved in scleroderma. Scleroderma causes scar tissue to develop in them, thus making them thicker. This also limits blood flow to the kidneys that in turn could impair or actually kill some parts of the kidney or the kidney itself. This could also lead to heart complications that in sever cases, could lead to heart failure.

Start Treatment Early

Patients with renal involvement in scleroderma should start treatment as early as possible. This condition is quite serious and could develop before anyone would know. To prevent further damage, it is highly advisable that a patient should start treatment early. If ever there would be significant damage done to the kidneys, little can be done to reverse the effects.

The effectiveness of treating renal involvement in scleroderma would depend heavily on the level of damage already inflicted at that time of treatment. The less damage there is, the more likely a patient would recover from the condition. Since scleroderma in general has no known cure, treatment for renal involvement is more focused on limiting damage.

Can This Condition Be Treated?

Even if scleroderma in general has no treatment, a lot of things can still be done to help relieve a patient from the damages done by scleroderma to the kidneys. However if the kidney is already totally impaired, little can be done to reverse the effect. But if treatment would start early, then treatment is very possible through medical help which would involve medications, rehabilitation therapies and surgery for some cases.

The point that all patients or those who are widely involved with renal scleroderma is that it is treatable and a lot has been done in the past to help cure people with this condition. The key to relief from it is early treatment as well as taking medications religiously and as well as careful medical attention.

Because renal involvement in scleroderma is quite sensitive, this would require the utmost attention of the doctor as well as a lot of effort from the patient.

Scleroderma And Elbow Pain

Background

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by having the antibodies attack their own tissues, which is contrary to their main purpose of protecting it. That in turn would cause the affected area to thicken and its functions to be limited. The more common form of scleroderma which is limited scleroderma or CREST would tend not to be fatal, although it can cripple a patient. The severe from of it which it systemic scleroderma is the more fatal type.

Scleroderma is quite rare as it only affects 14 out of every 1 million people worldwide. Scleroderma affects women more than it affects men and is usually develops within the ages 30 and 50. This illness is inherent in African-American women and the Native American Choctaw tribe. It rarely occurs in northern Asians and in children.

What Are The Causes Of Scleroderma?

As of now, there is no accurate cause of scleroderma although medical experts suspect some factors to cause it. One of those factors is genetics; they say that scleroderma is in the genes and those with genetic defects are more susceptible to the disease. Another is an unhealthy environment that could expose a patient to some factors that may cause it such as bacteria, viruses and similar factors. Hormones could also play a role as to why it happens to more women than it does on men.

Another theory made by medical experts is that the fetal matter that is left over after pregnancy that is still circulating in the mother’s system can cause scleroderma even after years of giving birth. This is why the most common category for patients with scleroderma are women between ages 30 and 50. While these theories may be reasonable and logical, none of these are proven yet and they still remain as theories.

How Does Scleroderma Develop In The Elbows?

Scleroderma can occur in most parts of the body such as the skin, the lungs, kidneys, stomach, esophagus, intestines, heart and the bones however, the elbows are some of the most affected parts when it comes to scleroderma involvement. The thickening of the tissues in the elbow will bring about limitations in its movement and as well as can be accompanied by pain. The cause of this, which are most likely calcium deposits can actually be seen and felt.

The elbows are quite sensitive and can be affected even in limited scleroderma, especially the tips of the elbows called the olecranon area. If a patient’s elbows are affected by scleroderma, this can lead to discomforting irritation and tenderness if pressure is applied on the elbows. Fortunately, this is very possible to be treated.

How Can This Be Treated?

There is no known treatment for all cases of scleroderma. The approach for treating scleroderma is patient-specific and is more focused on preventing further damage and on treating individual symptoms. As for cases with elbow involvement, this can be treated with tropical lubricants and emollients. But if ever the patient would develop side effects or if these medications would not work at all, the patient can avail of alternative medicine.

One of the known alternative medicines that have proven effective in treating this condition is Bagbalm, this of which you would only apply to the tender areas of the affected area. Bagbalm is available over the counter and does not require any medical prescription.

Scleroderma and The Heart

While the skin is the most affected organ in cases of scleroderma, almost all cases of complications in scleroderma would lead to heart problems even if the heart itself is not involved in scleroderma. If the lungs or the kidneys are involved, this could lead to hypertension and other heart complications. While that could happen, things are even worse when the heart itself is affected by scleroderma as its purpose of pumping blood is limited by the thickening of the walls.

Some of the earliest symptoms of cardiac involvement in scleroderma are heart irregularities that involve high blood pressure, fatigue and shortness of breath that could also lead to myocardial infarction or heart failure. While the heart is largely involved with most cases of scleroderma, having cardiac involvement in scleroderma is one of the rarest cases of the illness.

Who Can Get This?

There are no known causes for scleroderma however; reports have shown that scleroderma can affect all people regardless of any classifications although it is more likely to appear on others than it is on some. Women are four times more likely to develop this than men and it usually comes out between the ages 30 and 50. It is also commonly found in races such as the Native American Choctaw race and African-American women and rarely happens among Chinese, Japanese and Koreans.

Since there is no known cause, various theories have been formulated by medical experts. Some would say that scleroderma is genetic and heredity would play a large role. Some have also said that it is environmental and is brought about by unwanted factors in the environment such as bacteria and viruses. One also said that the fetal matter left after pregnancy can cause it even after decades after giving birth. None of these theories however have been proven yet.

How Does This Develop?

This would start when the antibodies would attack the heart tissues instead of protecting it. This would then cause the development of scar tissue on the walls of the heart or what is called fibrosis. The walls of the heart then would become thicker and with that, blood supply to the heart is cut short limiting the functions of the heart. This would then start of as high-blood pressure or other reasonably mild heart problems then can set off later as further complications.

While having the heart involved in scleroderma is quite rare, it is also one of the most difficult to handle when compared to other cases of scleroderma. But even if it is difficult to handle, treatment for it with the use of medications, therapies or surgery for some have relieved some patients before of the symptoms brought about by it. Treatment for cardiac involvement in scleroderma is possible.

Can This Be Treated?

As of now, there is no known cure for scleroderma. Treatment for all cases of scleroderma is more focused on limiting damage and treating symptoms brought about by it. If the heart gets involved with scleroderma, the patient can have some medications, therapies or surgery. Some medications that can be taken are immunosuppressive agents which limit the damaging effects of the body’s immune system.

Patients who have cardiac involvement in scleroderma should have their heart rates monitored often and kept at a healthy pace. While all of these would help, a patient would also need to change lifestyle. The change of lifestyle required is not too complicated as it is similar to most people who have heart problems.

While treating this could be a lot of work and I quite unclear, it is still very possible.

Scleroderma Types Diagnosis And Treatment

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the connective tissue, this of which is found all over our body in our skin, joints and in most of our organs. It happens when the antibodies in your immune system would damage your tissues, which is contrary to their main purpose of which is to protect them. That in turn would cause the scarring of the affected areas that would also make them thicken. Blood supply to the affected area is limited and that causes the function to also be limited.

Scleroderma can happen to anyone, but it is more likely to appear in some than it is on others. Scleroderma is four times more likely to happen to women than it is on men and it usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50. It is also found often in African-American women and of the Native American Choctaw tribe. It rarely occurs among northern Asians and children.

What Are The Types Of Scleroderma?

Scleroderma can be classified according the area that it is affecting as well as the degree. Mainly, there are two forms of scleroderma. The localized type is known as limited scleroderma. This type would usually only affect a small portion, usually on the skin and even if it could disable a patient, it is not fatal most of the time. While this is considerably mild, it could develop rapidly and could start affecting the organs, if that happens, the condition in known as systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis is the severe form of the disease and would tend to be more fatal than the localized type. This is because it limits blood flow to the organs, causing different types of problems. The affected organs can be anywhere from the digestive system, the kidney, the lungs and the heart. Conditions with organs however can be managed with the use of careful medication.

What Are The Symptoms?

Scleroderma would usually begin with Raynaud’s phenomenon or other skin problems. After that, it could stop there if it is limited scleroderma of it could spread to other organs if the condition is systemic sclerosis. The most common part to be affected with the development of scleroderma within are the digestive organs, primarily the esophagus. The kidneys are also one of the most affected organs with scleroderma.

While cardiac involvement in scleroderma is quite rare, it is one of the most fatal types of scleroderma as it can cause numerous heart diseases. Lung problems brought about by scleroderma used to be the leading cause of death until effective medications were discovered and changed the whole picture. As of now, these problems with different organs can be managed with medical help.

How Can It Be Cured?

Since scleroderma has no definite cause, it also has no known cure. The approach to scleroderma treatment is more of limiting damages and treating individual symptoms rather than completely removing the cause of scleroderma in a patient. This however has turned out well in fact, lung problems which used to be the leading cause of deaths in scleroderma patients has already been managed well. Medications which have proven effective have changed the whole picture and so has it for other body parts.

If ever a patient should develop side effects or further complications with medications, he or she could either take alternative medications or go for surgery. All of these treatment methods go well with rehabilitation therapy every once in a while to restore normal organ function and as well as clean and healthy living.