Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society

What is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

Scleroderma is a chronic, non-hereditary disease with no known cause. It is a disease of the immune system, connective tissue, and blood vessels but since it presents differently in different people and progresses at very different rates it is difficult to diagnose.

It has no known cure but is by no means untreatable, and successful medical intervention can prevent damage to the internal organs.  Early diagnosis is therefore important.

Raynaud’s

Raynaud’s, a condition in which some of the smaller blood vessels malfunction, is nearly always the first symptom.

Other symptoms

Next, in response to over-activity in the immune system, excess collagen builds up in the connective tissue, often on the hands and feet, making them stiff, tight, and shiny, with rigid joints. The connective tissue elsewhere both on and inside the body also thickens and becomes fibrotic and inflexible. How disabling the disease is depends on where and how fast this is taking place.

Swollen sore fingers with Raynaud’s should be investigated.

Reflux or indigestion with Raynaud’s should also be investigated.

Rare Diseases Towards 2013 Taskforce

The aim of the 2013 Taskforce is the delivery by the State of a comprehensive, targeted and achievable National Strategy for Rare Diseases by 2013.  A Patient / Parent Nominee to Department of Health’s Policy Group on the National Plan for Rare Diseases is required.  You can read more about this here

Learn more at the Annual Conference

The conference is held each year in April, in Dublin.  It is open to sufferers, family and friends and medical professionals.  Members of the public with an interest in Raynaud’s and scleroderma are also welcome to attend.  Information is posted on the Event section of the website during the weeks prior to the conference and booking can be done by phone - 0818 353 99 or by email - (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Payment for the conference can be made through the Products section or by cheque or postal order, made out to the Irish Rayaud’s & Scleroderma Society and posted to IRSS, Paradigm House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14.

Contact us for more information - Tel: 0818 353 999 or email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Look at some photos taken at the 2009 Conference on Saturday 25th April in the Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin.

Further Information

You can download documents below with additional information - see Document Downloads