What is “scleroderma”?

Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease characterized by edema and sclerosis of the skin with multi-organ fibrosis, which goes through three stages: edema, sclerosis and atrophy of the skin. The former involves only the skin and appears as localized skin sclerosis; the latter is more common and is divided into limbic and diffuse types, with “limbic” onset starting in the extremities and “diffuse” in the trunk. Systemic scleroderma involves all internal organs, in order of incidence and severity: lungs, heart, digestive tract, exocrine glands, kidneys, bone marrow, and joints. Raynaud’s phenomenon (hands turning white and purple when exposed to cold) is characteristic of systemic scleroderma and occurs in almost all patients with a specific type of CREST syndrome, which manifests as calcium deposits in the skin, Raynaud’s phenomenon, abnormal esophageal motility, sclerosis of the fingers or toes and capillary dilation. The disease affects the quality of life of patients and is life-threatening in severe cases. The disease has a lengthy course and requires cardiac treatment. The cause of the disease is unknown, and there is no unified and effective treatment plan internationally. The main treatment methods are as follows: a. Early treatment is the key. The application of hormones during the period of skin edema is effective, commonly used are prednisone about, tretinoin, penicillamine, etc. Second, for the treatment of various symptoms and organ damage, timely symptomatic treatment 1, Raynaud’s phenomenon: local warmth is important. Antihistamine and blood-stasis activating drugs can be given at the same time. 2, interstitial pneumonia: prevent cold and flu, antimicrobial therapy. 3, digestive tract: keep the mouth clean, rinse the mouth frequently. Regularly check stool routine plus occult blood, etc. 3. Regular outpatient follow-up Through outpatient follow-up, review liver and kidney function, biochemical indicators, adjust the treatment drugs and observe the toxic side effects of drugs.