| There are several types of scleroderma and it can affect the skin, blood vessels, the skin on hands and face, kidneys, bowels, heart and joints. It causes the skin to harden and it also affects the internal organs the same way by making them hard. Esophagus Reflux, difficulty swallowing, chest pain and chronic fatigue are just a few of the symptoms. Each type of scleroderma is different and affects the body differently.No one knows what causes scleroderma, Its not contagious so you can't give it to someone. With scleroderma it is known that the body produces to much of a protein called collagen. This excess collagen is deposited in the skin and organs. This causes a thickening and hardening of the skin and affects the function of internal organs. Scientists think the bodys immune system plays a part in causing excess collagen deposits. The immune system, your body's natural defense against a disease, normally developes antibodies. These antibodies are protective substances in the blood that fight off invading harmeful bacteria and viruses. But sometimes the antibodies attack the bodys healthy tissue instead. This is called autoimmune reaction. There are so many symptoms with scleroderma that its often misdiagnosed. Each person that has this disease has different things that happen to them. Just because one person has a symptom it doesn't mean that you will have the same thing happen to you. Below are some links that I hope will help if you need them. I pray you will never go through the pain that some people I have met goes through daily, but are stronger because they have a family who supports them and online friends who they can talk to or sometimes to just read about what others are going through.. |
