Which parts of the body do scleroderma affect: Scleroderma is a rare, chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the skin and underlying tissues. The disorder results from the body’s immune system attacking the skin’s cells, which can lead to thickening of the skin, hardening of collagen fibers, and reduced blood flow. Scleroderma often affects people over 50 years old, but it can occur at any age. There is no known cure for scleroderma, but treatments can help manage symptoms.
Sometimes it happens that after encountering the condition, people notice certain changes in the part of the body. In that case, they need to understand which parts of the body scleroderma affect.
If you are someone who is experiencing the symptoms and have no clue which parts of the body scleroderma effect, keep reading till the last. Here we are discussing the same in detail and help you to know about it.
Before discussing it, we would like to let you know about Dr. Bhupendra Vaishnav, who is one of the best rheumatology doctors for approach in Jaipur for scleroderma treatment. He is among those doctors who is not only having expertise in treating the scleroderma condition. But also suggest to you what you can do and what you cannot. Now let’s discuss the body parts scleroderma condition affects!
What are the Symptoms of Scleroderma?
10 Body Parts Experiencing Impact Due to Scleroderma:
In this section, we will help you to know about different body parts that experience an impact due to scleroderma:
1. Fingers:
Fingers are one of the most sensitive body parts when it comes to Scleroderma. This autoimmune disease impacts the skin and underlying tissues, causing hard, thick, dry skin to form on different parts of the body. The fingers are no exception. The affected tissue can become so tight and rigid that it reduces blood flow and causes pain, inflammation, and even loss of sensation.
For people with Scleroderma, touching anything – from a doorknob to a loved one’s hand – can be an excruciating experience. Fingers may curl into tight fists or become cold and stiff, unable to extend fully. In some cases, fingers may even “fall off” at the joints due to the thickened skin.
2. Feet:
Scleroderma is a chronic disease that primarily affects the skin and nails. However, it can also affect other body parts, such as the feet. When scleroderma attacks the skin, it causes inflammation and thickening of the skin. This can make feet difficult to move and can cause blisters or ulcers on the feet. In addition, scleroderma can damage the nails, causing them to thin and become brittle.
As a result, people with scleroderma may experience difficulty walking due to navicular syndrome (a condition in which the heel bone becomes abnormally curved), pain when standing or walking long distances, and difficulty wearing shoes.
3. Hands:
The hands are particularly vulnerable to damage from scleroderma, as the skin is often very thin and elastic. This can make hands very stiff and difficult to move, which can lead to difficulties with everyday tasks such as cooking or washing clothes. Some people with scleroderma also experience pain in their hands, which can make even simple tasks such as brushing teeth or hair difficult.
People with scleroderma need to take care of their hands so that they can continue to function normally in society.
4. Face:
Face scleroderma is one type of scleroderma that primarily affects the skin. In face scleroderma, the skin becomes thick and hard. The skin may also develop red patches or blisters. People with face scleroderma often have a hard time breathing because their skin blocks their air passages.
5. Abdomen:
The abdomen is the large, muscular body part that includes the stomach and intestines. When Scleroderma affects this area, it can cause several problems, including constipation, pain, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the skin may thin and stretch out so much that it can pull away from underlying muscles and organs. This can lead to severe complications, including death.
6. Forearms:
The arms are particularly susceptible to this condition because they are used to move and support the body. People with scleroderma often experience pain, difficulty breathing, and limited movement in their arms. In severe cases, scleroderma can even lead to death. However, there are treatments available that can help people deal with the symptoms of this condition.
7. Upper arms:
Up to one-third of people with scleroderma experience significant upper arm pain. This pain is most often caused by pressure on the brachial artery (the main artery in the arm), but it can also be caused by other factors, including inflammation and infection. There is no known cure for scleroderma, but treatments can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
8. Chest:
Chest pain can be a sign of many different health conditions, but chest pain due to Scleroderma may be particularly severe. The pain due to Scleroderma is “characterized by an intense, shooting pain that comes and goes and is generally worse when you move your arms or lift your torso.” The pain due to Scleroderma may also be accompanied by shortness of breath, difficulty breathing deeply, sweating, coughing up blood, or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
If you experience any of these symptoms and believe that they are related to your Scleroderma symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation.
9. Thighs:
In some cases, the disease can also attack the muscles and fat tissue around the thighs. The thighs are one of the first body parts to suffer from scleroderma-induced pain and inflammation. This is because the thigh muscles are relatively small and weak, which makes them more susceptible to damage from scleroderma. Additionally, fat deposits around the thigh muscles can create Reflex Arteritis, which is a type of inflammation that affects the blood vessels in your legs.
10. Lower legs:
The lower legs are a body part that commonly experiences the impact due to scleroderma. This autoimmune disease causes the body’s hard skin to gradually thicken and shrink, restricting blood flow and causing pain and discomfort. In some cases, the hardening of the lower leg skin can lead to amputation. However, there are treatments available that can help improve symptoms and reduce the likelihood of amputation.
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the body’s ability to produce proteins. The disorder can cause the skin to become thick, hard, and scaly. It can also affect the internal organs, including the lungs and heart. In severe cases, scleroderma can damage the nerves and muscles throughout the body. This makes it difficult for people with the disorder to move or breathe well. Thus, it is important to reach the best doctor around for the treatment!
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FAQ: Which parts of the body do scleroderma effect
Q. 1 Does scleroderma affect the feet?
Ans: The disease can progress to affect other parts of the body, including the feet. In some cases, scleroderma may cause changes in the feet that make them look wrinkled or aged. However, scleroderma does not usually affect the function of the feet.
Q. 2 What joints does scleroderma affect?
Ans: The disease causes thickening and hardening of the skin, as well as inflammation and scarring around the joints. Scleroderma can also lead to reduced mobility in the arms and legs, though it may improve with time.
Q. 3 Does scleroderma cause weight gain?
Ans: People with scleroderma can experience weight gain due to fluid retention and an increased appetite. Some people also develop a type of diabetes called renal diabetes associated with scleroderma, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Q. 4 Where does scleroderma usually start?
Ans: Scleroderma is a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease that damages the skin and underlying tissues. The disease causes thick, blue-black skin that may harden and contract, leading to serious problems with movement and breathing.