Chronic Scleroderma
What is Scleroderma? - Scleroderma is a chronic disease
characterized by excessive deposits of collagen. In order to
better understand Scleroderma it helps if you have some
understanding as to what collagen is.
What is Collagen? - Collagen is a fibrous protein that
occurrsn bone, cartilage and connective tissue. It is a major
structural protein that forms molecular cables to strengthen the
tendons and vast, resilient sheets that support the skin and
internal organs. There is no organ or tissue which does not have
collagen. Collagen acts as the important support structure in
tissues around which cells live and function. Elements of our
body such as bones and teeth are made by adding mineral crystals
to collagen.
Scleroderma directly affects the skin, and in sometimes in more
severe cases, it can affect the blood vessels and internal
organs of the body. The most visible scleroderma symptom is the hardening of skin
and associated scarring that goes along with it. This hardened
skin will normally appear reddish or scaly in appearance. Often
times this will allow blood vessels to be more visible.
The most serious aspect of the disease to take into account are:
The total area that is covered, and the the level of internal
involvement that is taking place. These are important to
consider because a patient that only has minor coverage is much
less likely to have damange to internal organs and tissues as
someone with larger coverage.
Almost certainly, in cases where an entire limb is affected,
future use of that limb will be jeopardized. If the coverage is
over the torse, the heart and lungs will be affected which is
more severe, than lets say an arm. Often times, internal
scarring will occur which is more complicated and cannot simply
be seen by the naked eye.