Rheumatic disease can dramatically affect your life. Find out more…
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Scleroderma specialist Dr. Boris Ratiner offers expert information regarding Scleroderma including Scleroderma symptoms, Scleroderma diagnosis, and common Scleroderma treatment.
What Is Scleroderma? Derived from the Greek words “sklerosis,” meaning hardness, and “derma,” meaning skin, scleroderma literally means hard skin. Though it is often referred to as if it were a single disease, scleroderma is really a symptom of a group of diseases that involve the abnormal growth of connective tissue, which supports the skin….What is Scleroderma
How Can Scleroderma Affect My Life? Having a chronic disease can affect almost every aspect of your life, from family relationships to holding a job. For people with scleroderma, there may be other concerns about appearance or even the ability to dress, bathe, or handle the most basic daily tasks. Here are some areas in….Affects of Scleroderma
What Other Conditions Can Look Like Scleroderma? Symptoms similar to those seen in scleroderma can occur with a number of other diseases. Here are some of the most common scleroderma lookalikes: Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) (EE-oh-SIN-oh-FIL-ik fa-shi-EYE-tis): a disease that involves the fascia (FA-shuh), the thin connective tissue around the muscles, particularly those of the forearms,….What Other Conditions Can Look Like Scleroderma?
What Causes Scleroderma? Although scientists don’t know exactly what causes scleroderma, they are certain that people cannot catch it from or transmit it to others. Studies of twins suggest it is also not inherited. Scientists suspect that scleroderma comes from several factors that may include: Abnormal immune or inflammatory activity: Like many other rheumatic disorders,….What Causes Scleroderma?
How Is Scleroderma Diagnosed? Depending on your particular symptoms, a diagnosis of scleroderma may be made by a general internist, a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails), an orthopaedist (a doctor who treats bone and joint disorders), a pulmonologist (lung specialist), or a rheumatologist (a doctor specializing….How Is Scleroderma Diagnosed?
How Is Scleroderma Treated? Because scleroderma can affect many different organs and organ systems, you may have several different doctors involved in your care. Typically, care will be managed by a rheumatologist, a specialist who treats people with diseases of the joints, bones, muscles, and immune system. Your rheumatologist may refer you to other specialists,….Scleroderma Treatment
How Can I Play a Role in My Health Care? Although your doctors direct your treatment, you are the one who must take your medicine regularly, follow your doctor’s advice, and report any problems promptly. In other words, the relationship between you and your doctors is a partnership, and you are the most important partner…..Sclerodema Research and Resources