How is scleroderma caused?
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes the abnormal collagen production to begin, but the body’s immune system appears to play a role. Most likely, scleroderma is caused by a combination of factors, including immune system problems, genetics and environmental triggers.
Is morphea curable?
There is no cure for morphea. Type of treatment depends on the type of morphea and how severe it is. Current treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms until the morphea goes away on its own, typically within five years.
What are the signs and symptoms of scleroderma?
Scleroderma. Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that may result in changes to the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. The disease can be either localized to the skin or involve other organs in addition to the skin. Symptoms may include areas of thickened skin, stiffness, feeling tired,…
How is scleroderma related to autoimmune diseases?
Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that may result in changes to the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. The disease can be either localized to the skin or involve other organs in addition to the skin.
What is the difference between localized and systemic scleroderma?
Systemic scleroderma. There are two forms of scleroderma: localized and systemic. The localized (non-systemic) form affects the skin of only the face, hands, and feet. The systemic forms ( limited or diffuse cutaneous) involve those and, in addition, may progress to visceral organs, including the kidneys, heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract .
What kind of blood vessels are associated with scleroderma?
Scleroderma may also be associated with gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), also known as watermelon stomach. This is a condition where atypical blood vessels proliferate usually in a radially symmetric pattern around the pylorus of the stomach.