By: Khaliya Rajan
What Is It and What Can You Do?
Did you know that more women are affected by Scleroderma than men? “300,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with scleroderma” and about 3% die yearly “from the most serious forms of the disease.” June is Scleroderma Awareness Month and June 29 is World Scleroderma Day. This article will dive into the essentials in understanding scleroderma.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune and rheumatic disease that has two main types: localized and systemic. Localized scleroderma could be further categorized into localized, generalized, and linear, while systemic scleroderma branches off as limited, diffused, and sine. The link between all these types? Patients with this disease experience a “hardening and tightening of the skin.” “Localized scleroderma only affects the skin, while systemic scleroderma affects the skin, the blood vessels and internal organs.” In essence, scleroderma is when the immune system attacks the body rather than protecting it. The cause? Unknown; experts are unsure of the stimulus for scleroderma. Nevertheless, they suspect various factors including genetic makeup, environment, changes to the immune system, and hormones. Scleroderma is “typically found in people between the ages of 30 and 50.” This disease is diagnosed through physical examination, biopsy, endoscopy, and multiple tests such as blood tests and pulmonary function tests. Although scleroderma is incurable, there are treatments available to help mitigate the symptoms. Since each case of scleroderma is different, each person’s treatment is also adjusted to their condition and needs.
There are many ways that you can help:
Donations – If you are fortunate enough, you may consider donating money to help fund research for treating and curing scleroderma. You may also donate time and help raise awareness of this cause.
Support People – If you know people who have scleroderma, support them. This disease is tough and everyone deserves care and support.