The term “scleroderma” literally means “a disease of hardening of the skin”, and the main clinical manifestation of this disease is hardening and atrophy of the skin. The patient’s skin changes in a way like what we call “tin man”. But to think that scleroderma only accumulates skin is clearly incomplete. Understanding Scleroderma Scleroderma consists of two types: limited and systemic. (1) Limited scleroderma is limited to the skin and does not involve internal organs. The former lesion level is shallow and generally does not affect the function of the limbs; while the latter lesion is deep to the fascia, the lesion across the joints may lead to limited joint movement, occurring in the forehead, may form a machete-like scleroderma, and the accumulated scalp appears hair loss. There are no abnormal changes of antinuclear antibodies in general laboratory tests. (2) Systemic scleroderma involves not only the skin, but also multiple organ systems. The two clinical types are often mainly limbic sclerosis and diffuse. The former accounts for 95% of the incidence of systemic scleroderma, and the majority of patients have Raynaud’s phenomenon (specifically – paroxysmal pallor, chills, numbness of hands after exposure to cold, later turning into cyanosis, then flushing) as the first symptom, and then facial skin damage, which can form a “false face The first symptom is paroxysmal pallor, numbness, and numbness of the hands, then turning into cyanosis and then flushing. In contrast, the latter has a lower incidence of only 5%, the onset of diffuse sclerosis of the whole body, generally without Raynaud’s phenomenon and extremity sclerosis, the disease progresses rapidly, the skin and internal organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.) in a short period of time appear extensive sclerosis, the prognosis is poor. In addition, there is a special type of scleroderma called CREST syndrome, in which patients develop a syndrome of skin calcification, Raynaud’s phenomenon, abnormal esophageal function, extremity sclerosis, capillary dilation and other changes, and the prognosis is better. In laboratory tests, patients usually have accelerated blood sedimentation, anemia, elevated gamma globulin, positive rheumatoid factor changes, and a variety of autoantibody abnormalities can be detected. Active treatment Clinical treatment of scleroderma is mainly based on suppression of autoimmune response and expansion of peripheral blood vessels to improve symptoms. For those with joint involvement, attention should be paid to joint movement with physical therapy to prevent joint contracture and restricted movement; for systemic scleroderma combined with other organ damage, symptomatic treatment should be given under the premise of controlling the underlying disease. For the early stage of the disease with rapid progress, skin swelling and joint muscle symptoms, glucocorticoids, penicillamine, colchicine and other drugs should be used to control the development of the disease. In addition, several clinical studies have proved that Chinese medicine has advantages in improving clinical symptoms and quality of life for patients with limited scleroderma and systemic scleroderma with relatively slow progression. Daily life care If you have been diagnosed with scleroderma, you should pay attention to the following points in your daily life: First of all, please keep a good psychological and mental state, face your scleroderma condition, make it clear that you are not suffering from an “incurable disease”, do not be negative and pessimistic. If you hold a pessimistic mood, it is not beneficial, but will aggravate the disease. From the pathophysiological point of view, the human neurohumoral system secretes substances that cause vasoconstriction during emotional stress, which may further aggravate the ischemic state of small arteries in the dermis, leading to aggravation of the disease; from the Chinese medicine point of view, “qi is the marshal of blood”, depression will lead to poor qi flow in your body, thus affecting the condition. Blood stasis is an important pathological mechanism throughout the pathogenesis of scleroderma. Blood stasis is an important mechanism throughout the pathogenesis of scleroderma. You should not ignore your condition and go to a regular medical institution for active treatment. It is important to know that early diagnosis and symptomatic treatment are beneficial to the long-term prognosis of scleroderma and to improve the quality of life. In addition, in daily life, you should also: (1) pay attention to warmth, avoid cold, prevent colds. Especially in autumn and winter, the temperature changes dramatically, resulting in vasoconstriction, which can induce the phenomenon of Renault, aggravating the disease, so patients should add warming facilities in time, but at the same time to prevent burns. (2) smoking and inhalation of second-hand smoke is strictly prohibited. One of the major pathological changes in scleroderma is the narrowing and occlusion of blood vessels in the dermis. Smoking will cause vasoconstriction, further aggravating the state of terminal ischemia, aggravating the disease. (3) Eat a high-protein, high-fiber diet and avoid stimulating foods. If the symptoms of dysphagia are combined with symptomatic treatment, you should eat a liquid diet at the same time, and pay attention to slow swallowing. (4) Pay attention to prevent trauma and protect damaged skin. Even small traumas should be given enough attention. Due to poor peripheral blood supply and fibrotic skin changes, skin healing is slower than normal and is prone to secondary infections and ulcers, so it is important to prevent trauma. (5) Avoid heavy physical labor and activities as much as possible, but at the same time, pay attention to the exercise of joint function to prevent joint contracture and restricted movement.