Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society
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> contact
Address:
Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society
P.O. Box 2958,
Foxrock,
Dublin 18
Tel: 012020184 or 012148950
Email: info@irishraynauds.com
Patient Helpline: 018481143
Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society
P.O. Box 2958,
Foxrock,
Dublin 18
Tel: 012020184 or 012148950
Email: info@irishraynauds.com
Patient Helpline: 018481143
> what is scleroderma?
Scleroderma is the term used for generalised thickening of the skin and there are various subsets. The localised form, where some areas of skin become thickened and tight, is called either morphea or linear Scleroderma and usually occurs in childhood. The limited form of Scleroderma is often preceded by several years of Raynaud's, and used to be called the CREST syndrome. Each initial of CREST stands for a symptom of this form of Scleroderma.
Diffuse Scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis, is more generalised, with involvement of organs other than the skin and peripheral blood vessels. The immune system becomes activated. Thickening of the walls of the blood vessels may occur and also the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, gullet or bowel may become involved. The thickening is caused by an over production of a protein called collagen. Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is a blanket term which covers a range of conditions, including Raynaud's, Scleroderma, lupus, Sjogren's and rheumatoid arthritis.
Scleroderma is difficult to treat, because it varies so much from patient to patient, who may have a wide variety of different problems. Early diagnosis is essential and can vastly improve the prognosis. Tests can reveal specific proteins or antibodies in the blood of patients indicating who may develop kidney disease or lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. It is vital that treatment is started as early as possible. There are many drug treatments available including Iloprost infusions, which can successfully treat pulmonary hypertension as well as ulcers and other infections.
It is important that Scleroderma patients, especially those with significant Raynaud's, try to keep warm. The whole body should be warmed and not just the hands and feet. 95% of Scleroderma patients will first present with Raynaud's, but only a very small percentage of Raynaud's patients develop Scleroderma. It is essential that people with significant Raynaud's are screened for an underlying condition. Blood tests will help to identify those patients who are likely to develop a connective tissue disease, of which Scleroderma is the most common. Examination of the fingers under the microscope may reveal damage to the small blood vessels, which could indicate early Scleroderma. Patients with newly diagnosed Scleroderma should be checked every 6-12 months for a number of years. Please read the disclaimer
- Calcinosis
- Raynaud's
- Esophageal
- Sclerodactyly
- Telangiectasia
Diffuse Scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis, is more generalised, with involvement of organs other than the skin and peripheral blood vessels. The immune system becomes activated. Thickening of the walls of the blood vessels may occur and also the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, gullet or bowel may become involved. The thickening is caused by an over production of a protein called collagen. Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is a blanket term which covers a range of conditions, including Raynaud's, Scleroderma, lupus, Sjogren's and rheumatoid arthritis.
Scleroderma is difficult to treat, because it varies so much from patient to patient, who may have a wide variety of different problems. Early diagnosis is essential and can vastly improve the prognosis. Tests can reveal specific proteins or antibodies in the blood of patients indicating who may develop kidney disease or lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. It is vital that treatment is started as early as possible. There are many drug treatments available including Iloprost infusions, which can successfully treat pulmonary hypertension as well as ulcers and other infections.
It is important that Scleroderma patients, especially those with significant Raynaud's, try to keep warm. The whole body should be warmed and not just the hands and feet. 95% of Scleroderma patients will first present with Raynaud's, but only a very small percentage of Raynaud's patients develop Scleroderma. It is essential that people with significant Raynaud's are screened for an underlying condition. Blood tests will help to identify those patients who are likely to develop a connective tissue disease, of which Scleroderma is the most common. Examination of the fingers under the microscope may reveal damage to the small blood vessels, which could indicate early Scleroderma. Patients with newly diagnosed Scleroderma should be checked every 6-12 months for a number of years. Please read the disclaimer