Scleroderma: an autoimmune disease that needs to be treated

Systemic scleroderma symptoms

What is a sign of scleroderma? There are several, they can be very individual and depend on the type of disease and the affected area.

Common manifestations include:

• Thickening and tightening of the skin, which is most common on the hands and face.
• Soreness, stiffness and reduced joint mobility.
• Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes fingers to become numb and discoloured in cold temperatures or under stress.
• The formation of hard knots or ulcers on the fingers.
• Impaired breathing and swallowing if the lungs or digestive tract are affected.
• Fatigue and weakness.

Whether you suspect scleroderma, rheumatoid vasculitis or Sjogren's syndrome, don't hesitate to book an initial consultation with us. Call or email us and we will be happy to help you. Scleroderma requires comprehensive care, the necessary support and treatment, which we are able to provide.

Types: systemic and localized scleroderma

Localized scleroderma primarily affects the skin (sometimes referred to as cutaneous scleroderma) and subcutaneous tissue. It is more limited in nature and often occurs without affecting internal organs. Although this type of scleroderma is not life-threatening, due to possible movement restrictions and change in appearance, it is important that our dermatologist (Prague) or general practitioner, but ideally a rheumatologist, prescribes treatment to help minimise its impact.

In addition to the skin, systemic scleroderma can affect blood vessels and internal organs. It is differentiated into:

• Limited systemic scleroderma, which progresses slowly.
• Diffuse systemic scleroderma, which affects a larger area of the body and internal organs with a faster onset.

If you have been diagnosed with systemic scleroderma, life expectancy varies greatly from individual to individual. But if it is not treated at all, irreversible changes to internal organs can occur. Complications include pulmonary hypertension, respiratory problems, heart failure, kidney dysfunction and severe digestive problems. To minimize the risks and prevent disease progression, it is essential to start treatment as soon as possible.

Scleroderma treatment

Treatment of scleroderma (in the eyes, on the hands and elsewhere on the body) depends on the type and severity of the disease. Options include:

• Immunosuppressants to suppress the autoimmune reaction.
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
• Treatment aimed at relieving specific symptoms such as Raynaud's phenomenon, joint stiffness or digestive problems.
• Physiotherapy to help improve mobility and strengthen muscles.
• Surgical interventions in case of damage to blood vessels or ulcer formation.

At ATODA Medical Clinic, we specialize in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of scleroderma. Our team of experts has many years of experience and a highly individual approach to each patient. We use modern diagnostic methods to help detect the disease at an early stage and tailor treatment to be as effective as possible.

Scleroderma photos

Scleroderma is sometimes mistaken for systemic lupus erythematosus. If you are hesitant about whether you have the disease or if you have been diagnosed with scleroderma, you can send us a photo to assess your condition to our email.

Photos will serve to better understand the course of the disease and allow us to respond to your needs more effectively.