Scleroderma can be disfiguring, the visible damage to skin and limbs can cause not only physical limitations and maiming but also emotional angst and suffering.

Likewise, internal damage of this condition can be wide-ranging, impairing and destructive to organ systems

Scleroderma: Scleroderma strikes at any age. Once scleroderma takes root the road ahead can be challenging, disconcerting and bewildering. The exact cause or causes of scleroderma are still unknown.

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic connective tissue disease commonly classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases.The condition exhibits symptoms like other autoimmune diseases but having widespread upsets.

However, diagnosing scleroderma can be difficult consequently there may be many cases misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. The signs of scleroderma vary depending on the body part that's involved and on the type of scleroderma.

Types: There are two patterns of, scleroderma this can be either localized and systemic. Localized scleroderma exhibits as either morphea or linear scleroderma. While systemic scleroderma has a limited or diffuse pattern.

Localized: Localised scleroderma can usually be recognised by its appearance. This type causes one or more patches of hard skin to develop in different areas of the body.

Other symptoms are cold fingers that turn red, sores on fingertips or limbs, swollen joints or exaggerated responses to cold temperatures. Localised scleroderma does not normally involve internal organs.

Then again, the linear type can cause problems to underlying tissues such as muscles and bones resulting in degrees of deformity. Severe contractures can occur limiting movement or in permanent disability of an arm or leg.

Systemic: The systemic form affects the skin, plus it can involve the body's internal organs. In the diffuse pattern of scleroderma, skin thickening occurs rapidly and on larger areas of skin. Besides the skin, there can be changes in the oesophagus, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys, heart, other internal organs and joints.

The tissues of involved organs become hard and fibrous, causing them to function less efficiently.

If you're suffering from the systemic form you may develop abnormalities of the digestive and gastrointestinal systems.These aberrations cause narrowing of the oesophagus that can slow movement of food or cause swallowing difficulties. Similarly, there can be damage to the muscles of the small bowel resulting in bloated or distended feelings or pain.

Ever omnipresent is the problem of malabsorption, weight loss and stool abnormalities. Additionally, weak or scarred muscles in the colon wall can make it difficult for the bowel to work well.

Another consequence of the condition in systemic scleroderma is lung involvement. This may mean shortness of breath, a decreased tolerance for exercise and a persistent cough. Overall, there are many other medical complaints attributed to systemic scleroderma however, its not contagious, infectious, cancerous or malignant.

Emotional Burdens: Physical ill health is not the only issue of scleroderma it also impacts on the self and emotional health.

Having the condition and coping with it can bring on lowered self-esteem, depression or habitually feeling down. Because of the external physical impacts of the condition on skin or limbs often people stare and whisper causing distress and misery in the person with scleroderma.

Treatment Approaches: Scleroderma symptoms vary greatly from individual to individual so too is the way each person responds to treatment. The best course of action ultimately depends on the disease subtype, its stage and involved organs.

Often no treatment is needed for the plaque type but if needed creams, doses of steroids or ultraviolet light therapy are prescribed.

There is no verified cure for systemic scleroderma. Nevertheless, much can be done to prevent, minimize or alleviate the effects and symptom of this condition.

Managing Changes: Even though there is no effective medication or cure that exist specifically for the condition there are some options. Beneficial to help control symptoms of the condition are medications designed to suppress the immune system, prevent infections or relieve pain.

Generally, the guiding principles and management goals are geared to preventing new or further complications, limit damage and managing pain. As well. care is designed to improve strength, maintain independence and mobility.

Boosting both physical and emotional well-being is key to enhancing the quality of everyday life.