Limited Scleroderma Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Complications, Diagnosis and Treatment

Natural Health News July 7, 2015

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What Is Limited Scleroderma ?

It is a condition that is also known as CREST syndrome. In general terms, it is referred by hardened skin. Clearly, limited scleroderma is the subtype of scleroderma. In addition to this, the changes of skin associated with the condition generally occur in the legs and lower arms. At times, the throat, digestive tract and face can also be affected. Problems raised by the condition can be minor, though for some, it can cause harm to the heart or lungs, rooting some serious complications.

Unfortunately, limited scleroderma is incurable, though its treatment aims to ease and control its symptoms, on the other hand, avert complications in the future.

What Are The Symptoms Of Limited Scleroderma ?

Unlike the few types of scleroderma, the indications of limited scleroderma often develop slowly. Common symptoms include:

Hardened, tight skin.
Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Red lines or spots on the skin.
Bumps under your skin.
Difficulty to swallow.

What Causes Limited Scleroderma ?

It is assumed, that limited scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder. Wherein, the immune system of the body itself turns against it. As per the belief, the immune system in limited scleroderma accelerates the making of excessive collagen. Collagen is an essential component of our connective tissue. More specifically, the excessive production accumulated in the internal organs and skin. Indeed, this causes the normal functioning of organs to impair.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Limited Scleroderma ?

A number of factors are known to increase the possibility of limited scleroderma, these are:

Being a woman: It is observed that women are more affected by limited scleroderma as compared to men.
Race: the condition commonly affects blacks than whites.
Genetic factors: in case you have a family member with an autoimmune disease, for example Hashimoto’s disease or lupus, then your possibility of developing limited scleroderma increases.
Exposure to certain toxins: For example benzene, polyvinyl etc can instigate scleroderma in individuals with a family history of the disease.

What Are The Complications Of Limited Scleroderma ?

Limited scleroderma can lead to the following complications:

Gastrointestinal problems.
Heart problems.
Lung damage.
Ulcers on toes and fingers.
Dental problems.
Dry mouth and eyes.

How Is Limited Scleroderma Diagnosis ?

It can be a challenging task to detect limited scleroderma as its indications tend to vary greatly, plus mimics the ones of other diseases. However its diagnosis is based upon the symptoms of the patients. Though, few tests that may also help are:

Lab tests.
Skin biopsy.

The doctor can suggest further tests to rule out the possibility of any gastrointestinal, heart or lung complication.

How Is Limited Scleroderma Treatment ?

As mentioned earlier, limited scleroderma is incurable. However its treatment aims to ease symptoms and avert complications. Few treatment options include:

Medications:

A number of medications can help in relieving its symptoms, such as:

Topical antibiotics.
Antacid drugs.
Medicines to lower the blood pressure.
Medicines to suppress your immune system.

Therapy:

Painful, stiff skin and joints tend to be a common concern in patients of limited scleroderma. For them, it is important to learn exercises that can help them maintain their strength and flexibility. For this purpose, following can help: