Systemic sclerosis, also known as systemic scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease that affects both the skin and internal organs. It causes the hardening and thickening of the skin as well as damage to small blood vessels.
The damage to these blood vessels can then lead to inflammation and tissue damage in other parts of the body. Although the exact cause of systemic scleroderma is unknown, it is thought to be caused by an overactivity of the body’s immune system.
The speed of progression of systemic scleroderma can vary greatly, with some people living many years with the condition, while others having a more rapid disease progression. The rate of progression also depends on many factors, including age and general health.
Systemic scleroderma symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the speed of progression can vary from being slow and progressive to rapidly worsening over a few months or years. Generally, the more severe the symptoms are, the faster the disease is likely to progress.
The most common form of systemic scleroderma, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, typically progresses slowly over many years. On the other hand, systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma, which is a rapidly progressing form, can rapidly worsen in just a few weeks or months.
It is important to work closely with your physician as disease progresses, and seek medical advice as soon as possible if you are experiencing any new, concerning symptoms. While there is no cure for systemic scleroderma, there are several treatments available to help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of further tissue damage.
Can scleroderma stop progressing?
Yes, scleroderma can stop progressing. Scleroderma is a type of chronic autoimmune disorder that results in hardening and scarring of the skin and other tissues. While it is known to be a progressive condition that gets worse over time, some people may experience periods of remission or periods where the condition stops progressing and becomes stable.
Treatment options, such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and immunosuppressive drugs, may help slow the progression of scleroderma or even lead to remission. It is important to speak with a doctor to stay informed of the best treatment options available.
Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding environmental triggers, may help to prevent the condition from progressing or becoming more severe.
Can scleroderma remain mild?
Yes, scleroderma can remain mild. This is most common and is known as limited scleroderma. Limited scleroderma is primarily a skin disorder and it is characterized by hard and tight skin, with patches of skin that are thicker than normal and generally lighter in color.
It affects the arms, legs, and torso but may also involve the face. Symptoms of limited scleroderma can include burning sensations and joint pain. In less severe cases, limited scleroderma does not cause any major health complications or organ damage; though it may lead to joint stiffness and less ability to move certain parts of the body.
Treatment for limited scleroderma focuses on symptom management and skin care. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, topical steroids, lasers, and ultraviolet light therapy may be used depending on the severity of the condition.
Furthermore, stretching and exercise routines as well as massage therapies may also be recommended as methods to control the symptoms and keep the muscles flexible.
How long can you live with systemic scleroderma?
It is difficult to answer the question of how long someone can live with systemic scleroderma (also known as systemic sclerosis), since the prognosis for the condition varies based on the individual’s overall health, the type of systemic scleroderma they have, and how they respond to treatment.
Generally, people with localized scleroderma have an excellent outlook, while those with systemic scleroderma can have a mild to severe course.
The median survival rate for people with systemic scleroderma is 11.7 years, according to a 2012 study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism. It is important to note that this number includes all people with systemic scleroderma, and survivability varies significantly depending on the type and severity of the condition.
For example, individuals with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis who are not clinically affected tend to have a very good prognosis, with survival rates of 90 percent at 10 years and 72 percent at 20 years.
However, those with diffuse systemic sclerosis tend to have a poorer prognosis, with survival rates of 64 percent at 10 years and 29 percent at 20 years.
Overall, with proper treatment and management, people can live a long and full life with systemic scleroderma. It is important to work closely and follow your doctor’s instructions to help maintain your health.
What are the stages of systemic scleroderma?
Systemic scleroderma is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by excessive amounts of collagen deposition resulting in fibrosis and stiffening of the skin and internal organs. The medical and scientific community have identified three stages to systemic scleroderma, which are localized, progressive diffuse, and advanced scleroderma.
1. Localized Scleroderma: This is the initial stage of the condition, and is generally easily managed with topical medications and phototherapy. During this stage, the affected area may show thickening of the skin, particularly along arms, legs, face, and torso.
The skin may also look shiny, and there may be some changes in pigmentation, such as discoloration.
2. Progressive Diffuse Scleroderma: This stage is more serious and involves collagen deposition in multiple locations as well as tissue changes. Additionally, there may be internal organ involvement such as the heart, lungs, and kidney.
Symptoms at this stage may include Raynaud’s phenomenon, joint pain, and weakness in the muscles.
3. Advanced Scleroderma: This serious and often debilitating stage is characterized by fibrosis and organ damage, potentially resulting in organ failure. Those experiencing this stage may also experience Raynaud’s phenomenon, fever, and/or weight loss.
Significant lifestyle changes may be necessary at this point, such as wheelchair usage and caring for health through regular medical visits and modifications to diet and daily activity.
What is the most common cause of death in scleroderma?
Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic condition that is characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin. It is caused by the abnormal growth of connective tissue, leading to a range of potential symptoms including skin thickening, hardening of the skin, joint pain, and inflammation.
While the cause of scleroderma is still unknown, it is believed to be the result of the body’s response to an environmental trigger.
The most common cause of death in scleroderma is associated with internal organ damage due to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Internal organ damage can occur when the tight and hardened skin restricts the normal functioning of organs, leading to an inability to transfer oxygen and nutrients to internal organs.
If left untreated, organ failure is possible, resulting in death. In addition, scleroderma can cause blood vessels to become blocked, leading to pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).
This risk of pulmonary hypertension is increased in cases where Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition in which the skin on hands and feet turns white due to cold temperatures or emotional upset, is also present.
Pulmonary hypertension can also cause organ failure, which can be fatal.
Does scleroderma get worse over time?
Scleroderma is a chronic condition that can worsen over time, but this depends on the type of scleroderma a person has and how the person’s body responds to the condition. Generally, localized scleroderma may not progress beyond the area of skin involvement, but systemic scleroderma can worsen.
This can lead to organ involvement and potentially life-threatening complications. It is important for people with scleroderma to be under the care of a doctor who can monitor the condition and assess risk factors.
Treatment options can help slow the progression of the disease, reduce inflammation, and control symptoms. However, as with all conditions, everyone responds differently, and it is difficult to predict exactly how the condition will progress.
Can you have mild scleroderma?
Yes, it is possible to have mild scleroderma. Scleroderma can range from mild to severe, and people can experience a range of symptoms associated with the condition. Mild cases are generally associated with localised skin thickening, such as on the hands, face, and feet.
This most common type of mild scleroderma is called Localised Scleroderma or Morphea. It is normally only affects the skin and does not extend to any internal organs. Typically, people with mild scleroderma have a few patches of thickened skin, but the condition does not interfere with function.
In cases like this, treatment is not always needed, but may be recommended if the symptoms are causing discomfort or if they are causing the skin to change shape significantly.
How long does scleroderma take to heal?
Scleroderma is a chronic, long-term autoimmune condition that affects the body’s connective tissues and is characterized by hardening and thickening of the skin, along with damage to the underlying organs and tissues.
Unfortunately, it cannot be cured, however there are some treatments that can help to reduce its symptoms and slow down its progression.
The length of time it takes for scleroderma to heal depends on the severity of the condition, the underlying cause, and the type of treatment received. In some cases, the condition can go into remission after treatment and the symptoms may not return.
However, in more advanced cases, it may take longer for the damage to be reduced and for the symptoms to be managed.
It is also important to note that even with treatment, scleroderma may progress over time and can result in permanent damage in some cases. Therefore, it is important to work with a doctor to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and to closely monitor any changes in symptoms.
What causes scleroderma to flare up?
Scleroderma flares up when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own body and tissue, including the connective tissue, leading to thickening, hardening, and scarring of the skin and connective tissue.
The exact cause of scleroderma is not yet known, but environmental and genetic factors may play a role. Common environmental triggers that may cause a scleroderma flare-up can include stress, UV rays, cold temperatures, infection, and certain medications.
Other potential triggers include hormones and food, such as those containing gluten, or alcohol. It is important to note that while environmental and genetic factors may play a role in triggering scleroderma flare-ups, there is still much research to be done before an evidence-based conclusion can be made.
In addition, it is important to note that each individual may have different triggers for their scleroderma flare-ups, making it important for individuals to be aware of which factors may be causing their flares.
Does scleroderma come on quickly?
No, scleroderma does not come on quickly. It is a chronic connective tissue disorder, meaning it develops slowly over time. Symptoms can vary from person to person and even vary between flares and remission.
Typically, scleroderma progresses over the course of several years or decades and some people may only experience mild symptoms. Early warning signs may include fatigue, skin stiffness, joint pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
If left untreated, scleroderma can cause serious complications such as pulmonary hypertension, organ fibrosis, and severe joint damage. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms should visit a doctor immediately in order to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
How long is life expectancy with Crest scleroderma?
The life expectancy of those living with scleroderma depends on the type and severity of their condition. It is highly variable and difficult to determine accurately. Generally, those with localized scleroderma tend to have better life expectancies than those with systemic scleroderma.
For cases of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), or “Crest” scleroderma, the average life expectancy is approximately 10-15 years. That being said, there are cases of individuals living many more years than that with proper medical care and management.
Those living with Crest scleroderma can lead a healthy and happy life if their treatments and lifestyle modifications are strictly followed. Additionally, modern drug therapies and treatments have improved significantly since the late 1990s, so life expectancy for those with Crest scleroderma has increased over time.
It is important to note that while the prognosis of Crest scleroderma is much better than that of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), life expectancy is still greatly reduced when compared to the general population.
This is why early diagnosis and treatment are so important, as they can help to improve life expectancy and quality of life.
How debilitating is scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that is characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin. While the effects of the disease are often quite mild or even unnoticeable, in more severe cases, the hardening of the skin can be quite debilitating and even life-threatening.
The most common symptom of scleroderma is the hardening and thickening of the skin, which can lead to a host of other problems. This can include joint pain and stiffness, the inability to move certain joints and the formation of new lumps under the skin.
In addition, scleroderma can also cause internal organs to harden and cause difficulty breathing, as well as poor blood circulation. These issues can cause serious health problems, including kidney and heart failure, stroke, and even death in extreme cases.
Due to the severity of some of these symptoms, scleroderma can be very debilitating, not just in terms of physical health but also in terms of emotional and psychological well-being. Many people with the condition will experience feelings of depression and isolation due to their limited mobility and the social stigma associated with their condition.
In this way, scleroderma can have a serious impact on quality of life.
In conclusion, scleroderma can be quite debilitating and even life-threatening in more severe cases. It can cause physical problems, such as joint pain and stiffness, difficulty breathing, and poor blood circulation, as well as psychological problems, such as depression and isolation.
For these reasons, it is important for those with the condition to receive appropriate medical care and psychological support.