Scleroderma is a chronic often progressive autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. It is painful and debilitating.
A good explanation of how Scleroderma works is- in a healthy person if they cut them self, their body produces enzymes and proteins in response to the wound. Collagen forms to close the skin and they develop a thickening of the skin, a scar, which may or may not be seen when the cut is healed. With Scleroderma, the body thinks something is wrong and it sends enzymes and proteins all over the body producing excessive collagen in the skin and soft tissues. The scar tissue builds up and forms “hard skin”, the literal meaning of Scleroderma. In some cases serious damage can occur to the internal organs.
Scleroderma can vary a great deal in terms of severity. There are two types of Scleroderma, Localized and Systemic.
- Localized Scleroderma- the least severe, usually just affects a patch on the skin. However, the affected skin can become a large deep ulcer, very painful and difficult to heal.
- Systemic Scleroderma- has two forms. Limited- which mainly affects the skin and small blood vessels. This form can cause multiple skin ulcers and tightening of the skin, ligaments and tendons causing a decrease in movement and mobility. It can be extremely painful. Diffuse- which along with the skin and small blood vessels also affects internal organs. This form can have the most severe effects. The kidneys, heart and lungs can thicken with scar-like tissue causing multiple health problems.
It is estimated that there are approximately 300,000 persons with Scleroderma in the United States. Statistically, approximately four times more women than men develop the disease. Scleroderma can develop and is found in every age group but its onset is most frequent between the ages of 25 to 55. Although medicines can sometimes help treat symptoms, there is no cure yet for Scleroderma.
At this point in your lives most of you have already selected your favorite charities and the worthy causes you support. But, please consider adding the Scleroderma Foundation to your list.
Because it is such a rare and little known disease, Scleroderma doesn’t get near the funding of other well known diseases. However, last year the Foundation was able to give out over a million dollars in grants to fund research. Research is the basis for hope for people with this disease. We need your help. Your support of the Scleroderma Foundation will help with research and help find a cure.
For more information go to www.scleroderma.org or look up scleroderma with your favorite search engine.
Thank you,
~Teresa Nadeau