What is scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a rare disease that manifests as thickening and hardening of collagen fibers in the skin and various systems, and can involve multiple organs. The cause of scleroderma is unknown, and its occurrence may be related to factors such as genetics and the environment. Early manifestations include Raynaud’s phenomenon (i.e., when the body encounters emotions such as cold and stress, episodes of pallor, cyanosis and flushing of the fingers and toes will occur, accompanied by numbness, pain and other discomforts, which may improve after temperature recovery). Skin damage includes swelling, hardening and atrophy of the skin; sometimes digestive symptoms such as acid reflux, burning sensation behind the sternum, dysphagia, respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, dry cough; patients with involvement of the kidneys may develop severe kidney damage, and patients with involvement of the joints and muscles may develop myalgia, muscle weakness and other symptoms. In short, scleroderma is a group of diseases that involve multiple organs of the body. The treatment of scleroderma includes general treatment such as keeping warm, avoiding emotional excitement and smoking cessation, etc.; it also includes medication such as glucocorticoid prednisone for anti-inflammation, immunosuppressant such as cyclosporine to regulate the immune system, and iloprost to dilate the blood vessels and other treatments. Scleroderma patients are recommended to consult a doctor once diagnosed, and actively treated to avoid aggravation of the condition.