Systemic Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. The localized type of the disease is known as morphea. It leads to hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Localized disease affects the skin while the generalized one also affects the internal organs like lungs etc. Excessive collagen deposition causes skin and internal organ changes. Many factors, including environmental factors, can lead to immunologic system disturbances and vascular changes. Scleroderma is characterized by the formation of scar tissue that is fibrosis in the skin and organs of the body.

 

Systemic Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. The localized type of the disease is known as morphea. It leads to hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Localized disease affects the skin while the generalized one also affects the internal organs like lungs etc. Excessive collagen deposition causes skin and internal organ changes. Many factors, including environmental factors, can lead to immunologic system disturbances and vascular changes. Scleroderma is characterized by the formation of scar tissue that is fibrosis in the skin and organs of the body. This leads to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma, when it's diffuse or widespread over the body, is also referred to as systemic sclerosis.

Signs and Symptoms

• Hardening of blood vessels
• Nonproductive cough
• Atypical chest pain
• Palpitations
• Difficulty in swallowing solid foods
• Difficulty with swallowing liquids
• Reynaud phenomenon
• Cutaneous purities
• Whitening of the hands on exposure to cold
• Blanching
• Cyanosis
• Hyperemia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Abdominal cramps
• Blotting diarrhea
• Fecal incontinence
• Weakness
• Joint pain
• limitation of movement
• Joint swelling

Causes

• suppressants may be one of the causes for the disease
• Vibration injury
• Silica
• Organic solvents like toluene , Benzene and Xylene can lead to the disease
• Aliphatic hydrocarbons like hexane, vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene can lead to the disease
• Epoxy resin
• Amino acid compounds can also lead to the disease
• Pesticides
• Drugs like bleomycin, carbidopa and some vitamins like vitamin K can lead to the disease
• Appetite Substances used in cosmetic procedures to have the potential to cause the disease

Tests and Investigations

• ANA (Anti nuclear Antibody)
• Chest X-ray
• CAT Scans
• Blood Examinations
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram

Treatment and Drugs

• Drugs like Nifedipine are used to dilate the blood vessels which are constricted
• Colchicine is given sometimes to reduce the inflammation
• For heartburn antacids and proton pump inhibitors are prescribed
• Some immunosuppressant’s like Cyclophosphamide and Prednisolone may be used in some cases.