There are various kinds of autoimmune diseases that affect the human body, including multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. But one chronic autoimmune disease that you may not be too familiar with is scleroderma, a condition that affects the tightening and hardening of the skin. But the issues with scleroderma are more than skin-deep and can also affect internal organs, digestion, and blood vessels.
Here is some information about scleroderma, including its possible causes, symptoms, and treatment options with a natural approach in mind.
Causes of Scleroderma
Scleroderma occurs when too much collagen accumulates in the body tissues. Collagen, a fibrous protein that connects body tissues, is necessary, but scleroderma represents an overproduction of it. It is linked to the body’s immune system; however, doctors and researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes it. Genetics, environmental triggers, and other immune system disorders may play a role. Scleroderma tends to run in families and may occur after certain viruses affect the body or after taking some medications.
Symptoms of Scleroderma
One of the first signs of scleroderma is changes in the fingers’ color. Fingers and toes may start to look red, blue, or white. This is known as Raynaud’s phenomenon and may be more obvious during cold weather and be accompanied by swelling, numbness, and pain. As the disease progresses, it can affect the joints, muscles, heart, lungs, GI tract, and kidneys. Common digestive issues include heartburn, bloating, difficulty swallowing, and diarrhea. Heart and lung issues are usually shortness of breath, dizziness, blood pressure increases, and irregular heartbeat.
Naturally Treating Scleroderma
A medical professional can diagnose the condition with blood tests and imaging of the lungs and heart. However, this can be a challenging disease to diagnose because of its varied symptoms and how differently it affects people. Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may recommend medications to dilate blood vessels, prevent infections, aid digestive trouble, and suppress the immune system.
You can also try physical therapy to improve hand strength and mobility. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming and cycling, can help reduce pain in many people with this condition. To address thick and dry skin symptoms, keep skin moisturized with natural moisturizers containing olive oil, coconut oil, and other ingredients to target itchiness and joint and muscle pain. Other natural remedies for scleroderma that have shown promise in research include vitamin E, vitamin D, para-aminobenzoic acid, evening primrose oil, N-acetylcysteine, bromelain, estriol, and avocado/soybean extract.