What are the pathological changes associated with scleroderma?
The clinical and pathologic manifestations result from three distinct processes: 1) severe fibroproliferative vascular lesions of small arteries and arterioles, 2) excessive and often progressive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules in skin and various internal organs, and 3) …
Is scleroderma and systemic sclerosis the same?
The word “scleroderma” means hard skin in Greek, and the condition is characterized by the buildup of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and other organs. The condition is also called systemic sclerosis because the fibrosis can affect organs other than the skin.
How does one get scleroderma?
Environmental triggers. Research suggests that, in some people, scleroderma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to certain viruses, medications or drugs. Repeated exposure — such as at work — to certain harmful substances or chemicals also may increase the risk of scleroderma. Immune system problems.
Is scleroderma pathogenic?
There is no doubt that vascular and immunologic processes are central to the pathogenesis of scleroderma, although it is unclear what the initial events are and how different processes respectively trigger, amplify, and facilitate the development of the skin- and organ-based fibrosis with vasculopathy that is the …
What is scleroderma esophagus?
Scleroderma causes strictures, or narrowing, of the esophagus and makes the muscle tissue weaker. This can cause what doctors refer to as “motility disturbance” — or trouble with food and liquid being able to travel down the esophagus.
What is linear Morphea?
Linear morphea is the most common type of morphea found in school-aged children. The lesions may extend to the tissue under their skin, even to their muscles and bones, leading to deformities. If linear morphea occurs on their face, it might cause issues with their eyes or alignment of their teeth.
Can scleroderma affect your voice?
Scleroderma a is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. This fibrosis affects a range of organs including the mouth, vocal cords and larynx. When these areas are affected, a number of communication and swallowing difficulties can occur.
Is acid reflux a symptom of scleroderma?
Systemic sclerosis causes all-over inflammation and thickening and tightening of connective tissue, which can cause scarring and damage in different areas of the body, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, and the gastrointestinal tract, where it can lead to very obvious symptoms like acid reflux and pain and difficulty …
What causes a person to Pitt their nails?
They include: 1 connective tissue disorders, such as Reiter’s syndrome (a form of reactive arthritis ), and osteoarthritis 2 autoimmune diseases, such as alopecia areata, sarcoidosis, and pemphigus vulgaris 3 incontinentia pigmenti, a genetic disorder affecting the hair, skin, nails, teeth, and central nervous system 4 atopic and contact dermatitis
Are there any treatment options for nail pitting?
Treatment options for nail pitting. Treating nail pitting can be difficult. The pits are formed as your nail forms. Topical medications are unable to easily reach through the nail bed. Because of this, your doctor may consider corticosteroid injections into your nail beds. This type of treatment has varied results.
Is there a link between psoriasis and nail pitting?
Nail pitting is in people who have psoriatic arthritis. It is also in people who are over age 40. Researchers have recently uncovered that there may be a link between nail pitting and the severity of psoriasis in general. In of people who had mild psoriasis also experienced nail pitting.
How can nail abnormalities be a sign of systemic disease?
Nail Abnormalities: Clues to Systemic Disease. In the absence of trauma or psoriasis, onycholysis should prompt a search for symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The finding of Beau’s lines may indicate previous severe illness, trauma, or exposure to cold temperatures in patients with Raynaud’s disease.